Guest Book

Gregg Allman keeps music going by touring with two acts By Will Blanchard The Joplin Globe (Missouri) JOPLIN, Mo. -- In 1971, Gregg Allman made a promise. For the first time since the untimely death of his brother and bandmate, Duane, Allman walked into the studio to record a couple of his own compostions with the remaining members of the Allman Brothers Band. The songs took a slightly different tone from what had been previously recorded for the band's upcoming studio album, departing slightly from the roadhouse blues rock for which they were so well known, and taking on more sentimental, sometimes spiritual melodies. The bittersweet tune that eventually opened the resulting double-album "Eat A Peach," was the 23 year-old Allman's evocation and determination: "Ain't Wastin' Time No More." In 2010 it's still hard for Allman to waste any time, touring both with the Allman Brothers and as a solo performer, the latter of which has landed him at the Downstream Casino this weekend. "I'm not an old bastard, but I'm not a spring chicken either," said the 62-year-old Allman in a recent phone interview. During the outdoor concert at 8 p.m. Sunday, he will be performing several songs written for his solo band, the most famous of which being "I'm No Angel," as well as some of his greatest hits made famous by the Allman Brothers, such as live-staple "Whipping Post" and radio-hit "Midnight Rider." "I do some of the songs I wrote with the Brothers, but with different arrangements," Allman said, suggesting that no one should expect a repeat of what they've heard on record and the radio. Allman has followed this practice since he began his solo career in 1973. He is best-known as the lead vocalist, organist, and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, the six-member group that launched themselves into musical immortality with the release of "At Fillmore East" in the summer of '71. Upon its release the two-record set was (and still is) considered outstanding. It featured a collection of live tracks that showcased a natural chemistry among the group, as well as their ability to take a mix of the traditional blues of T. Bone Walker and Elmore James, and incorporate into those arrangements the jazz-like improvisational technique of Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Following the loss of both lead guitarist Duane and bassist Berry Oakley, Allman began experimenting with some different songwriting styles, particularly during the making of what became a record primarily led by guitarist Dickey Betts, "Brothers and Sisters." "When we did 'Brothers and Sisters' I took them this song I wrote called 'Queen of Hearts,' and they turned it down," Allman said. "It was the best thing that ever happened." This song appeared on and made way for "Laid Back," his solo debut and personal favorite of his albums. Allman has been happily expressing himself in two different ways ever since. He said that while the constant touring is tiring, he appreciates the opportunity to take different positions on stage depending on the band he's with. "With the Brothers it's all Hammond (organ)," he said, but in reference to his solo career, "I've been playing alot of guitar. Acoustic guitar, electric guitar. It's a very percussive instrument when you think about it." From the moment the Allman Brothers Band was nicknamed "the Grateful Dead of the South" it was common knowledge that like the latter, they were in their element during live performance. While Allman continues to find himself on "a different planet" while playing live, he says he feels greatest during rehearsals. "Five hours a day from Tuesday to Thursday, we have a ball," he said, "and that's the way it should be. We always rehearse before a big tour. You have to, to upload the material. Sometimes I'll find myself playing the same song in entirely different ways." During these rehearsals as well as during performance, a lot of it indeed rests in the moment and in improvisation. Before a show Allman will listen to Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue," a record which exemplifies the success of instinctual playing. "On the way to gigs it gets you calm," he said. "Everybody gets stage fright. One time I was in New Orleans and I followed Levon Helm. You know, he's got one hell of a band. Miles helped take the butterflies away, and he gives you a burst of energy." This appreciation for doing it right the first time is reflected in Allman's descriptions of the recording sessions for an upcoming album. The record, which is being produced by T. Bone Burnett, will be Allman's first album in over a decade. "We'll do 15 takes," he said. "I'll think the first or second take was perfect. Then it gets real redundant. You have a bowl of pennies and you're picking the shiniest one." Upon receiving a compliment on the originality of the expression, Allman chuckled and said "Well you know, sometimes you just roll these off the top of your head."