The Allman Brothers Band

I have been fortunate to see the ABB perform live since 1970, including the Stony Brook archive show. On Friday I saw them play at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. It was the first time I’d seen them with Derek Trucks. All I can say is that the tradition of great improvisational, nuanced playing around a core of blues/rock masterpieces is again alive and well. Somewhere Duane and Berry are surely smiling about the way their old buddies, 3 “kids” and a guitar “mule” have remained true to and enriched their legacy. In a set that included “Black Hearted Woman”, “Dreams”, “Ain’t Wasting Time No More”, “Stateboro Blues” and such new cuts as “Desdemona”, “Instumental Illness” and “High Cost of Low Living”, the magic was back. These guys are committed again and they know how to execute. And then to close it all out with a “Whipping Post”, “Mountain Jam”, “Layla” sequence …. well who could ask for more. Susan Tedeschi’s appearance for “Don’t Think Twice” and “Statesboro” was even further icing on the cake.