Artist: Gregg Allman
Album: Gregg Alllman Live - Back to Macon, GA
Bitrate: 253kbps avg
Quality: EAC Secure Mode / LAME 3.98.4 / -V0 / 44.100Khz
Label: Rounder
Genre: Rock
Size: 171.65 megs
PlayTime: 1h 29min 57sec total
Rip Date: 2015-08-07
Store Date: 2015-08-07
Track List: Disc #1/2
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01. Statesboro Blues 5:25
02. I'm No Angel 4:06
03. Queen Of Hearts 6:35
04. I Can't Be Satisfied 5:15
05. These Days 4:02
06. Ain't Wastin' Time No More 6:50
07. Brightest Smile In Town 4:55
08. Hot 'Lanta 5:33
09. I've Found A Love 4:39
Track List: Disc #2/2
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01. Don't Keep Me Wonderin' 5:11
02. Before The Bullets Fly 4:11
03. Melissa 6:19
04. Midnight Rider 5:10
05. Love Like Kerosene 4:42
06. Whipping Post 5:36
07. One Way Out 11:28
Release Notes:
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Anyone would have given the frontman of the Allman Brothers Band a sabbatical
from performing after the longstanding group called it quits last year. After
all, between solo tours and work with the Brothers, Gregg Allman has been
grinding it out on the road for over forty years. After recent health problems
including lung surgery, a liver transplant, hepatitis C all on top of a life of
booze and drugs (heÆs been clean for a while now) also donÆt bode well for
AllmanÆs stamina as he pushes 70. But like the blues legends that initially
influenced him, Allman keeps plugging away. And, judging from the rousing 90
minute concert he delivers on this double CD/DVD package, has arguably improved
with age.
Recorded at a single gig in January, 2014 in the titular city where it all
started for the Allman Brothers Band four decades ago, Gregg mixes rearranged
gems from his old group along with solo material, some cool soul covers and even
a new song into a set that highlights his diversity and love of R&B and blues.
His eight piece backing unit includes three horn players working taut
arrangements that steep the material in a Memphis styled soulful grit. With only
one guitarist, the sound is less rock oriented than the ABB. This helps make
even warhorses like ôWhipping Post,ö ôStatesboro Bluesö and ôMidnight Rider,ö
classics Allman has sung at almost every gig since the early 70s, seem fresh and
stirring in this environment.
Oddly, Allman only reprises one selection from his newest, well received, T-Bone
Burnett album of blues covers (a second tune is included in the DVDÆs extras)
but this includes everything you would expect to hear. He revisits the Ray
Charles nugget ôBrightest Smile in Town,ö digs into Wilson PickettÆs ôIÆve Found
a Loveö and rocks out on ôLove like Kerosene,ö a recent composition written by
guitarist Scott Sharrard. Allman is in inspired voice, heÆs clearly having a
blast leading his talented musicians and even the oldest material feels
revitalized. Perhaps we could have done without the 5 minute drum and bass solo
section on the closing ôOne Way Out,ö but with son Devon Allman joining on
guitar, thatÆs a small detriment to a scorching version.
Short interview segments on the DVD are concise and informative and the
camerawork is professional yet subtle and appropriately laid back. The elder
Allman plays nearly as much guitar as organ, likely due to a terrific pianist
Ben Stivers who is nearly as impressive as Chuck Leavell on the keys, but thatÆs
also a welcome change. However, why the two extra songs tacked on as DVD bonuses
arenÆt added to the audio discs is unclear, especially since one is a
brilliantly bluesy ôStormy Monday.ö
Regardless, this is a glorious ôhittinÆ the noteö performance with no weak
spots. It shows Allman not only hasnÆt lost any steps musically, but he just may
be near the top of his game.