Finally made it out to my first Allman Brothers show, and I wasn’t disappointed. Unfortunately I didn’t see the acoustic set by Warren but I did see Galactic and felt like they played a solid set, really liked them a lot. If you like Galactic’s style of music, I would definitely say for you to check out Karl Densen’s Tiny Universe.
I could tell from the opening notes from Warren’s and Derek’s guitars that I would be in for a great night. They started around 8:40 or so with Don’t Want You No More > It’s Not My Cross To Bear. I was greatly hoping they would play Ain’t Wasting Time No More, which was one of the next songs they played. Then off of Gov Mule’s last cd, they played Worried Down With the Blues, which features Derek on the CD. That for me was definitely one of the highlights, but it did slow down the crowd somewhat. Galactic’s sax player came out for The Same Thing, although initially I thought it was going to be Southbound from the first chord I heard before they went into the song. Great interplay between the Bros and sax player. Followed by Come and Go Blues, which was good but I prefer the stripped down acoustic version. Later on in the show they brought out Raleigh native former Black Crowe, Cry of Love guitarist Audley Freed. I was a little letdown that he didn’t get more of a hometown welcome. He did come back out with the sax player for an outstanding version of Southbound in which the three guitarists took turns along with the sax player playing little 8 bar licks. I also enjoyed Oteil’s solo with scat opening with Little Martha. Overall I was very impressed with what was my first but certainly not last Allman Brother show. I feel like Derek’s guitar wasn’t turned up loud enough at times. For anyone who cares, from what I remember he played his SG exclusively. Whipping Post ended around 11:15 or so despite one of the City’s ordinances. Watching Warren and especially Derek play slide rekindled my own interest in learning slide licks. Hope to make it out for the show in VA with Derek Trucks Band. Plan on buying the new album Joyful Noise from them.
