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Allman Brothers Band -- Shades of Two Worlds


As I approach my sixtieth birthday, I realize that I've been a tremendous fan of the Allman Brothers Band for the past 45 years. I first saw them in 1971 at the Philadelphia Spectrum, sharing the bill with Elvin Bishop and Johnny Winter. I remember being absolutely hypnotized by the guitar wizadry of Duane and Dickey, the percussion interplay of Butch and Jaimoe, the pounding bass lines of Berry, and the soaring vocals of Gregg. I have since seen them many times, through every "band membership change," and have enjoyed every show and millions of hours listening to them on vinyl, CD, and internet streaming.

So, to get to my point .... I just finished reading Alan Paul's "One Way Out -- the Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band." A terrific book and I learned a lot about the boys. Like many fans, most of my listening was centered around the tunes from the first five albums. But I just got turned on to "Shades of Two Worlds," an incredible album with which I was previously unfamiliar. It's really, really good, and I sincerely recommend it to all my fellow fans of the band. I guess we're never to old to learn to love something new.
adam18
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dweller's avatar
dweller
3,786 posts
 
I watched a DVD history of the band and was surprised to learn that Duane only wrote one song- "Little Martha".
He said he had a dream and Jimi Hendrix (already deceased) gave him the song!
Freaky man!
philefreak
423 posts
 
I'm with you Adam. I've been following them as well. First time I didn't actually see the Allmans but saw Greg solo at the Attic in Greenville NC. I believe it was 1979 or so. It was a spiritual experience. Just Greg and his Hammond B3. Seen them numerous times since. Always been a fantastic show. Which is more than I can say for most others.
garebear
1,154 posts
 
.......'' Shades of Two Worlds '' was amazing music by them along with ; '' Where it All Be Begins '' .....which I considered the twilight time of their recording careers. The common denominator was Dickie Betts. Like him or not he maintained that true Allman Brothers sound that we all fell in love with. Derek Truck as good as he his .....I just never liked or enjoyed the sound or tune of his guitar. When Dickie got booted, that was the end of the Allman Brothers. Otherwise you are correct that is a great disc
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
"When Dickie got booted, that was the end of the Allman Brothers."

Amen to that. It was the end of the band for me.

Shakey
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
I've always been a big fan of Dickey Betts, and I think he's one of the most underrated guitarists out there. He's always been the backbone of the band.
I also thought that things went downhill after he left, but I was quite amazed the first time I saw the band with Derek and Warren together on stage.
These two guys are excellent guitarists, who complement each other quite well, and have successfully interpreted many of Dickey's best songs.
willis
27 posts
 
I too am approaching 60, and have been a huge fan of the Allman Brothers, especially Gregg. His vocals spoke pain and sadness justly felt as he lived the life of a broken soul. Please read his book My Cross To Bear. He and Betts did some remarkable songs and boy the live performances were awesome. Betts departure was a blessing for the Allman Brothers. His twangy country influences only went so far. I'm not diminishing his excellent guitar playing, but the heart was Gregg Allman. I recommend the mobile fidelity sacd's highly, especially Brothers & Sisters just released. Soon to be released is the sacd of the ABB Live & Fillmore East by mobile fidelity. Stay tuned Gregg is not done yet. His vocals are still strong and soulfull. His show this past March 14th in Toledo, OH. Was remarkable. At 67 years old he's not giving up what he loves to do, is to bring joy to his fans. That's what keeping him alive!
loomisjohnson
1,948 posts
 
on the basis of the foregoing recs i picked up one way out and i'm digging it as well--it's very music-centric and free from bloat/scandal. duane comes across as a veritable saint--it's scary to think how much greater he woulda become if he had lived.
maxnewid
449 posts
 
The old Bros. is the best configuration of the band. However, I like both Derek and Warren Haynes. They will continue to make fine music for many years. And I also enjoy the Chuck Leavell contributions- particularly on "Jessica" and "High Falls".

There is also a terrific band out of New York called "Great Caesars Ghost" that specializes in Allman Bros. and Grateful Dead covers. Butch Trucks and G.E. Smith have both played on cds with them. You can buy their music on CDbaby, Hittin' the Note (the Allman Bros. site), and the Great Caesars Ghost website. Highly recommended.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Thanks for the tip Max .... I'll check it out.
By the way, over the past few nights, I listened to "An Evening with the Allman Brothers Band," both CD's ... first set and second set. Damn great playing on some incredible songs !
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,628 posts
 
The most underrated AB lp "Enlightened Rogues".
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