First off, try to go into this with an open mind and stop comparing these guys to their Fathers. I think really that might be the biggest obstacle they face. Â
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These guys do not sound anything like the Allman Brothers Band OR like any of the individual members of the Allman Brothers Band. The only exception I could make to that statement is that yes, Duane Betts' voice sounds a LOT like Dickey Betts' voice. That's genetics, not because of any conscious effort by Duane. He delivers standout vocal performances on Ashes Of My Lovers and Rivers Run. And contrary to what some will say, I think Devon Allman has a very unique voice which fits the music this band is making.
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They are not TRYING to sound like ABB and they have their own sound. I submit to you that if ABB never existed, many would listen to this record and be completely blown away by it. A strong country element weaves in and out through much of the record, especially on tunes like Southern Rain, Rivers Run and Much Obliged. Savannah's Dream is a sterling 12 minute instrumental by Duane Betts. NO, it does not sound like High Falls for anything else his Dad ever did. It's just GOOD, that's all.Â
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For me, the rocking Should We Ever Part is probably the record's standout tune, and if singles were a "thing" in 2020, this would be the one. This one lunges like a freight train out of my speakers, Devon's urgent vocals exploding over wailing guitars with the excellent percussion section of John Lum and R. Scott Bryan WAY up in the bright mix. Berry Oakley, Jr.'s bass adds to the rumble. Oakley handles vocals and piano on one ballad, The Doctor's Daughter. Berry proves he was worthy of a vocal cameo and it adds to the record's notable variety. Lots of music here, 13 tunes. Johnny Stachela on slide guitar and guitar, John Ginty on keyboards both add special touches.
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I've been through Bless Your Heart enough times now to know it stands up to repeated listenings. Looking forward to seeing them live............the show I had a ticket for on March 14th here in the Bay area was one of the very first shows to fall victim to a COVID cancellation. I did catch a streaming concert they did during COVID though and was very impressed. These guys can play live and this record proves there is more to them than that.
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Bless Your Heart was produced by Matt Ross-Spang and Devon Allman and Duane Betts are listed as co-producers. Nice work guys.
 To me, this is one of the best albums of the year - right up
there with Dylan, Springsteen, Isbell and Fiona Apple. It just
gets better after repeated listens and the quality of the songs
doesn't flag at all over the course of the CD.
I've seen Devon many times, and I got to see Allman Betts before all the shutdowns. They put on an excellent show and the crowd was really into it ... I know I left with a big smile.  I have both albums and enjoy listening to them .... 😀Â
I really enjoy this sophomore album from Allman Betts Band; lots of good songs and good songwriting. And they put on a great show when I saw them on October 23rd in Bethel, PA at a socially distanced show (glad someone figured out how to do that). Would recommend them to those who are so inclined
I just saw that I have this on my iPod. Â Thanks for the reminder.Â
like both albums but imo yes a lot of times they sound like the allman brothers
I only check in here every week or so due to slow traffic and saw this post. I have their first CD and it was just ok. Not crazy about Allman's vocals. Wifey signed us up for Spotify and so I gave this a listen. Wow! This is a very good album. Thanks for the recommendation Robslob! My favorite song is Magnolia Road, very catchy riff.
Allman's vocal are better and less 'forced' on this album but I still prefer Duane singing. Funny, wife was listening and said, good music but i don't like his (Duanes') voice :).
Give this album a listen folks. Many of the tracks have a smoky/mysterious sound to them. Not sure how to describe it. Good stuff, hope I can catch them on tour. If there are tours......
 In an era where every college kid and his brother in an alternative-rock band thinks he's
a singer....I don't know how anyone could have a problem with Devon's vocals. That is one
of the strengths of the album, in my opinion. He sounds like.....who is it....Gary Moore,Â
maybe? Fabulous vocals. But I understand taste is a personal choice.
 In an era where every college kid and his brother in an alternative-rock band thinks he's
a singer....I don't know how anyone could have a problem with Devon's vocals. That is one
of the strengths of the album, in my opinion. He sounds like.....who is it....Gary Moore,Â
maybe? Fabulous vocals. But I understand taste is a personal choice.
X2, Devon is a fantastic singer - lost about why people knock him for his voice, but your last sentence is indeed the bottom line
I listen to Turquoise all the time - one of my favorites..... I actually like his singing.....
Different strokes. It just seems Devon is trying too hard or forcing his vocals, but he seems much better on this album. This from the guy that really likes Susan's vocals and she drives others nuts here.
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It's a good album.
 In an era where every college kid and his brother in an alternative-rock band thinks he's
a singer....I don't know how anyone could have a problem with Devon's vocals. That is one
of the strengths of the album, in my opinion. He sounds like.....who is it....Gary Moore,Â
maybe? Fabulous vocals. But I understand taste is a personal choice.
X2, Devon is a fantastic singer - lost about why people knock him for his voice, but your last sentence is indeed the bottom line
I didn't care for Devon's vocals in Honeytribe. IMO he found his voice during the Devon Allman Project. I've seen Allman Betts Band two or three times. One of my favorite new bands.
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I really dig Space Age Blues tho, fine album & honestly I’ve never heard any real deviation in his voice - it’s all in the ear of the beholder I guess🤙 - we’re all fans - really gotta p/u Bless Your Heart
I haven't listened to all of the album yet, however Pale Horse Rider is my favorite so far. I've never really listened to their music before now.
Unfortunately people always compare the talents of the kids to their parents' work, even though they're very different. While I consider the Allman Betts band to be a spiritual successor to ABB,(TTB is also a successor in my opinion) they have a unique sound that makes them stand out from The Allman Brothers.
Freelance artist by daylight, music lover also by daylight.
