Guest Book

Ok, now on to the core business at hand..namely the ABB. Those of you that know me know I have spoken my mind here, and I took a lot of crap and frankly did my share of dishing it out. No regrets, but I did learn to let it go and move forward. It's a healthy position to take in general. That said, I want to offer my own two cents about something. Like many of you, I have been a true ABB fan long, long before this website existed. And like you guys, I supported them when they as a collective sucked and were lost as individuals and as a collective sound. The Band and its members have changed for the better, and I for one applaud them for speaking with actions rather than words alone. This Band is as powerful in my view as anytime since EAP, or God forbid, Filmore (did I actually say that???) Last night, I copped the One Way Out CD. Actually, I had some reservations about buying it because I did not want another Peakin at the Beacon with its crap. But, I went ahead and bought it. I spent the next 3 hours listening to it from a very critical point of view. Every note played, each vocal note, timing, flavor, groove, heart, listening for train wrecks or otherwise sloppy playing. I mean, I really listened to that CD with a critical ear BEFORE I listened to it from an enjoyment standpoint. And I actually cried. I did, honestly. I heard stuff in there I have not heard since Filmore. The early influence of the ABB is as present in that CD...every bit so....as in Idlewild South or Beginnings. I heard things in One Way Out that have not been played since the 70's. And Gregg. I want to pay him a huge compliment for his playing on One Way Out. He played with the perfection he had as a very young kid playing in Idlewild. His notes are clear and timing is right on. His vocals are without question the best on this CD since possibly EAP accounting for his age and the road. I am so impressed and proud of Gregg on this one project. Cudos to you Gregg because of all the Band members, you have had the hardest uphill battle to climb. Duane would be proud of you on this project! Oteil is another one to pay real attention to in this CD. My sense is Oteil really did his homework to listen to early ABB in order to really capture the original feel of their early work. And he pulled it off. Since Oteil is a better technician than Berry was, I think the bass notes blend in here better than ANY previous ABB recording. In part due to technology, but also in part due to the fact Oteil is not having to compete for a note to place within the tunes. There is room for the bass player, and Oteil hits his mark every time. Butch and JJ. I was so happy to actually hear JJ's playing and I want to call out to Butch how he recaptured the early playing groove. An example is the ending of Dreams. I heard drumming there I have not heard from Butch and JJ since Beginnings, and it really took me back. Marc is ever present with his flavor and excellent chops and unlike earlier projects since Marc has been on board, the percussion is a little less pronounced on this CD....again giving it the early ABB feel. Very impressive Butch, JJ, and Marc! What can you say about Derek and/or Warren except exceptional? But in this CD in my view Warren goes back to a place that is a little scary. I honestly think if Duane were with us today what I heard with Warren on that CD would be very close to what Duane himself would have played. So, I call it out....Warren is as much a mature Duane as could be considered in my view. And to respect Dickey as well by playing some licks the old Master laid down is very cool. Of course Warren is playing his style and is his own man, but remember, some of these tunes are 30 years old so to play it like it was played in the beginning is the sign of a musical master. Warren got into Duane's head and I just think that is very cool. Derek has matured into a very fine player, and he is now working in a place and space that is making him one helluva player with the ABB, and he deserves much credit here as well. As you can see, I truly am impressed with One Way Out. The mix is better than any ABB CD ever produced and much effort was given to the production. Each flavor of each instrument is available to the ear, which means one will have to listen to it over and over again to appreciate this work. I promise, for years to come, there will be little tidbit treasures the ear will find from this CD. Like Beginnings, One Way Out will never grow old. Not only was my money well spent, as an old road-worn fan from way back, One Way Out represents either a befitting final tribute to the ABB and its remaining original members, or, represents the effect of in-house cleaning up its act and the breathing of new life. Perhaps it represents both...time will tell. But I can say this, One Way Out is the BEST CD the Allman Brothers Band has put out in 20 years and represents the best of the original Brothers and what yet awaits. I put it up there with Beginnings, Filmore, and Laid Back in regards to the impact this CD has on any Brothers/Allman trueblood. I have not said this in years, but thanks Brothers for putting this CD out, and I hope it sells a ton. Rick Tomlinson