If you have the opportunity to see this band, all I can say is get your ass out and do it. I agree with Jim, put Gregg on vocals, use Bruce Katz in a Chuck Leavel roll and you may not have the 2009 Brothers - but you have something very familiar, special and accessible. I bought 7th row Tuesday.

Obviously JaBuMaBu was what they always are. Pearson can front this band and Katz has become a favorite.

I haven't really been here since the Brothers ended things, I don't know what the scuttlebutt is about Brers around here, but they blew me away. If you're not sure about them - GO!

To see THESE musicians, for $77 with 300 other people was an absolute treat.

Accepting that Derek and Warren have moved on, Gregg and these guys could be great together.

The person next to me had the set list, after the first set Butch promised the crowd a real second set. The encore was changed to Mountain Jam from Les Brers and I think Whipping Post was an addition.

Note: drum kits weren't raised, I was on left too, Katz's organ blocked Butch for me.

[Edited on 9/8/2016 by Gregallmanfan]

[Edited on 9/8/2016 by Gregallmanfan]

Any idea what the name of that instrumental is?

Glad to hear they're "hittin' the note" (so to speak) 😉

Been looking forward to getting a chance to see them since I heard about them forming the band.

I'm going to see them in Hampton Beach tonight, and I'm giving serious consideration to seeing them in Boston on Friday.

Derek McCabe was at every Beacon show EVER. He just texted me that last night was as good as any Allman Bros show. so there's that. Looking forward to next month.

I was at 1-2 Beacon shows a year myself, Brers is good, but I wouldn't put them near the level of a band with Warren Derek Gregg or Dickey in it. Jack was great last night, I loved hearing him play that music again. I don't mean this in any way as a knock on him, or Brers, it's just my love of the others.

But, the band's effort, on a Weds night, small joint, was like they were playing the Garden on New Years.

Jack Pearson has become one of my favorite guitar players in the past few weeks, but I've never had a chance to see him live. You guys are soooo lucky to see these guys up close in a small club!!!

Dear Butch Trucks: I'm hoping Les Brers does a West Coast tour next summer- please play the 2017 Portland Waterfront Blues festival!!!!

[Edited on 9/9/2016 by peachlovingman]

Great show last night at the Ridgefield Playhouse. As close as we can now get to the Beacon runs. Jack Pearson was awesome, as was the whole band. To see that rhythm section in a small room was fantastic. I especially loved the setlist. For all the bad blood we hear about between Butch and Dickey, I LOVED seeing this band play Blue Sky and Jessica, always highlights when Dickey made his annual stops here. They brought Dickey into the house, just as Warren and the ABB did at the last Beacon show. How lucky we are!

It is so nice to see Oteil working his magic. What a monster player.

Jaimoe took a break during the mystery fusion instrumental; Quinones played Jaimoe's kit.

The singer and the other guitarist were a little low in the mix during the first set, but that was fixed in the second set. The keys were pretty darned loud.

In fact, Jack was loud, but I like that. His sound cut through. When he and Arlen Roth were going head to head, he reached over and turned Arlen's volume knob up, which was appreciated.

Jack also took a whole lotta chances. He created improv directions and dared the rest of the band to follow on a number of occasions. That was really cool to see. He did not play safe. For a mild-mannered guy who serves up incredibly melodic and tasteful solos, he also likes to play "out" a fair amount. There were some dissonant directions, some real "Derek and Jimmy" moments that surprised me. That guy has his guitar utterly mastered. He can make it do anything he wants.

For Mountain Jam, the crowd gathered around the foot of the stage. I could only take it for a few minutes - it was that loud. I guess Jack is over his tinnitus!

Jack sings "Blue Sky" as closely to Dickey Betts' lovely earnest voice about as much as a man can.

I'm not praising the second guitarist enough - I forget his name because I'm a dope. He really was too low in the first half. Once his volume was up, you had to be impressed by how well he could construct a solo. He really nailed the first solos in Dreams and Blue Sky. In Dreams in particular, he wowed the crowd. A rock show contains a visual element, and he is not a visual icon the way that Gregg or Warren is; he does not look like rock and roll. That is a superficial observation that has nothing to do with the actual music, just a comment about the concert experience.

The singer - Lamar Williams Jr - has a very good voice. He sings Gregg stuff well. I will say that Gregg is such an iconic singer that anyone singing his songs will sound like someone covering Gregg's songs. Gregg is an inescapable presence in those tunes. They are his. You can't help but notice that Gregg is not the one singing these Gregg songs. I don't know how that could be avoided. Maybe a drastic overhaul, like what Joe Cocker did with "With A Little Help From My Friends" or something like that.

Once again, I will say that these are musical monsters tearing it up. What a treat.

Pat Bergeson is the other guitarist. Best known around Nashville for having been Chet Atkins' sideman for his live shows and his jazz work with the Hot Club of Nashville. Chet asked Pat to move to Nashville for the sole purpose of playing with him. Nice compliment.

I've been loving the clips... so great to hear these guys just wailing on these tunes. Mike, you're a resourceful chap, can you hurry "them" up with inventing the teleport so we can hop over the pond to catch some shows 😉

So great to hear the headroom... especially on Dreams... however loud the guitars are in the PA, it sounds to me like a lot more headroom on stage (40W 1x15s vs pairs of 100W 4x12s). Anyway great playing and great tones from everyone. Love it!

Oh that I could Jules, oh that I could. When I finish the tweaking on the teleport, I'll stop by on the way to the show and pick you and the band up. Just working on the cargo transport portion to ensure that the hot chicken and Kleer Vu catering survive the transitions. Jack's tinnitus is still there and he will need a few days of quiet to recover some, but you're correct in the amp portion. Much less piercing on the high frequencies and a lower stage db as well.

It is so nice to see Oteil working his magic. What a monster player.

Jaimoe took a break during the mystery fusion instrumental; Quinones played Jaimoe's kit.

The singer and the other guitarist were a little low in the mix during the first set, but that was fixed in the second set. The keys were pretty darned loud.

In fact, Jack was loud, but I like that. His sound cut through. When he and Arlen Roth were going head to head, he reached over and turned Arlen's volume knob up, which was appreciated.

Jack also took a whole lotta chances. He created improv directions and dared the rest of the band to follow on a number of occasions. That was really cool to see. He did not play safe. For a mild-mannered guy who serves up incredibly melodic and tasteful solos, he also likes to play "out" a fair amount. There were some dissonant directions, some real "Derek and Jimmy" moments that surprised me. That guy has his guitar utterly mastered. He can make it do anything he wants.

For Mountain Jam, the crowd gathered around the foot of the stage. I could only take it for a few minutes - it was that loud. I guess Jack is over his tinnitus!

Jack sings "Blue Sky" as closely to Dickey Betts' lovely earnest voice about as much as a man can.

I'm not praising the second guitarist enough - I forget his name because I'm a dope. He really was too low in the first half. Once his volume was up, you had to be impressed by how well he could construct a solo. He really nailed the first solos in Dreams and Blue Sky. In Dreams in particular, he wowed the crowd. A rock show contains a visual element, and he is not a visual icon the way that Gregg or Warren is; he does not look like rock and roll. That is a superficial observation that has nothing to do with the actual music, just a comment about the concert experience.

The singer - Lamar Williams Jr - has a very good voice. He sings Gregg stuff well. I will say that Gregg is such an iconic singer that anyone singing his songs will sound like someone covering Gregg's songs. Gregg is an inescapable presence in those tunes. They are his. You can't help but notice that Gregg is not the one singing these Gregg songs. I don't know how that could be avoided. Maybe a drastic overhaul, like what Joe Cocker did with "With A Little Help From My Friends" or something like that.

Once again, I will say that these are musical monsters tearing it up. What a treat.

Jim,

Good review. Lot of good detail. Puts the reader right there in the venue. Am looking forward to seeing Les Brers.

I saw Butch's other band, "Fright Train Band" a month or so ago, and they too were quite good. Saw them in a small venue, and it was a powerful show. All the players talented & song selection good. I like things a bit loud, but they were REALLY LOUD. No exaggeration - my ears rang for the entire next day. But hey, I'd see them again. Last time I saw Dickey & Great Southern - same thing.

Jim, that nailed it. We were lucky to be there. They were the spirit of the Allman Brothers.

After seeing both The Freight Train Band and Les Brers now, I have to say, Les Brers kills it they really had the ABB vibe going. But agree about Pat. He's really good, but no wow factor. Jack though, he wowed me.

The highlight of The Freight Train was the young replacement guitarist though, Ben Sparaco. He had that vibe you are talking about. And after seeing him and Pat play within a few days of each other, I gotta say, this kid would really bring some young talent to the band. His slide playing and tone were spot on.

I look forward to seeing Les Brers again soon. After seeing them, I'm not sure I could go back to the Freight Train without that kid though, I hope he stays on.

After seeing both The Freight Train Band and Les Brers now, I have to say, Les Brers kills it they really had the ABB vibe going. But agree about Pat. He's really good, but no wow factor. Jack though, he wowed me.

The highlight of The Freight Train was the young replacement guitarist though, Ben Sparaco. He had that vibe you are talking about. And after seeing him and Pat play within a few days of each other, I gotta say, this kid would really bring some young talent to the band. His slide playing and tone were spot on.

I look forward to seeing Les Brers again soon. After seeing them, I'm not sure I could go back to the Freight Train without that kid though, I hope he stays on.

Hey, Ben here. Thanks for the compliments. Jack and Pat are both excellent guitarists here in town (Nashville) so it's an honor to even be considered in the same league as them.

Just want to let you know that I won't be continuing with the Freight Train. I did all shows but three on the last tour and had a really great time but was not offered the open guitar spot after all was said and done. Chris Vitarello (Bruce Katz' guitarist) will be continuing on with them, who is a great player. If you saw us in Fairfield, Wilmington, or Fall River, he was the third guitar player. The guitar lineup is now Damon Fowler, Heather Gillis, and Chris.

Again, I really appreciate the kind words that I've seen about me here on the forum and I joined to say thanks and clear some things up. You can check out my website bensparaco.com and see what else I'm doing with my own band. We'll be doing a southeastern fall tour and hopefully hitting the Northeast early next year.

Welcome to our website, Ben. I really enjoyed your playing on the videos. Sorry you didn't get the long-term gig, but I wish all the best with your own band.

Welcome to our website, Ben. I really enjoyed your playing on the videos. Sorry you didn't get the long-term gig, but I wish all the best with your own band.

Thanks. The gig was never presented to me as a sure thing that I would continue with, so no worries. In fact, it started off as being one show and then they would add a few shows at a time until I stayed out almost the whole run. Not really something to get upset over as it was a great experience and I have other things in the works.

Anyway, I didn't want to get this thread off topic but just wanted to address the question of whether or not I'd be continuing with them, since it's been asked a few times here and elsewhere. Glad you liked what you heard!

I saw Ben play @ the egg in Albany, he was awesome, I kept thinking to myself i'm watching one of the next great players...

[Edited on 9/11/2016 by fender31]

Any idea what the name of that instrumental is?

I'm pretty sure it's "Just An Expression" (that's the one they played at Hampton Beach on 9/8 anyway.)

And what a fantastic show it was! I couldn't make it to the following night's show in Boston but I will definitely make every effort to see them again if they return to the New England area. I thought hey really nailed the spirit and soul of The ABB.

any setlists from last weeks shows ?

Set list: 4/15 at Wanee was very similar to set list performed at Hampton Beach. I posted on that show.

I saw Ben play @ the egg in Albany, he was awesome, I kept thinking to myself i'm watching one of the next great players...

[Edited on 9/11/2016 by fender31]

Seeing that makes me even more disappointed that you won't be continuing with them Ben Sparaco, but I have no doubt you'll be touring even bigger venues than the Freight Train soon. I never saw Chris play, but just looked up some videos and as much as I hate to say it, he just rubbed me the wrong way (strange faces maybe?) and his playing can't compare to yours. He seems ok maybe if had I never seen you play Ben.

Heather at least adds the pretty, and as I've said, she's good for a girl (sorry ladies) but having a female in an ABB type band took away a little of the magic.

Good Luck Ben. I'm not on social media, but pop back here and tell us what you are doing, and I'll keep an eye on your website. You made a fan for life, your originals are great too.

I think I'll just stick with Les Brers from now on. Not even sure I want to go when Freight Train plays in Bethesda now, I thought I'd be seeing you there.

I was at the show also and agree with everything that has been said.
I was so happy to see Jack live.
Jack has that beautiful tone that is pure ABB. Blue Sky Dreams and Jessica were standouts for me
I had trouble seeing JJ as well from my seat and thought Bruce Katz was just ok.
I thought he was the weakest link in the lineup. IMO.

I would definitely see them again!

Wish they would come to Nashville.

Looking forward to the show next month on Oct. 13th at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, N.J.

Soundboards are up at Munckmusic:

http://www.munck-music.com/collections/les-brers

Les Brers bump

2 weeks till the shows !

I'm bumping this thread with the next wave of shows fast approaching. I was gifted the 9/8 and 9/10 shows - and both are really excellent shows. This band certainly brings back the old ABB magic for me in the recordings at least. I don't want to denigrate past eras of my favorite band - but I'll say this - I have a few '97-'99 Jack era ABB recordings - and I would say both recent Les Brers shows are better overall than what I have from that period of the ABB. There are more than a couple other years in ABB history (*ahem late 70s - early 80s ahem*) that these Les Brers shows are pretty clearly superior too to my ears as well.

If you are on the fence even a little bit about going to see this band - I strongly suggest you get off the fence and go to the show. I hope Butch keeps this thing together for a while. There was no way for me to hit one of the shows this year - but having heard the recordings - I'd travel to see this band. If he brings it around near me again - I'll be there.

1 week till shows !

Who's going ?