Allman Bros concert

You should check out the ABB recordings from the New Orleans jazz fest. You can order them from the jazz fest website. I have one from 2004 that has Chuck Leavel sitting in with them. They play a really tasty version of Jessica and do a great cover of Van morrison's Into the Mystic. The sound quality is excellent.

I am w/ Garebear on this one. I saw the Gregg Allman Band in January '10 this year. I was just able to enjoy them more
than my last couple of ABB concerts from recent years.

I too am an early ABB fan. Nothing and I mean nothing compares to At Fillmore East and Eat a Peach. The Allmans were a completely different band up to and including Brothers and Sisters when in my opinon the remnants of the original magic faded away.

Yes the newer iterations of the band are comprised of extremely competent musicians. But the magic is gone. The innovative slide work of Duane, the interplay between he and Dickey, the jazz like subtleties of JJ and Butch and the underpinnings of Greg all propelled by Berry. These guys were innovators, exploring new territory and creating a new genre all at the same time.

No band accomplished what they had in such a short period of time. Duane was the leader and after his loss it was obvious the band was a shadow of its former self after Brothers and Sisters. So I agree with Garebear. I saw them many times in my youth, including Watkins Glen. Even without Duane they out shown both the Dead and Band.

Duane was a genious when it came to slide. He is even credited with coming up with those famous opening licks in Layla.

A good read about Duane and the band is Skydog by Randy Poe.

Best

Dave

Never heard 'em with Betts, let alone with Duane. Heard lots of records, however, and many are terrific, especially Fillmore, which I think is as good a live album as has ever been done. And I will even admit that Derek Trucks's got an annoying habit of running his slide back down the neck every phrase or two that sometimes makes me wince; and I'm not a big fan of Warren Haynes's voice for that matter. That said, I've seen the current line-up several times, and they kick ass. If they don't have the original magic, they have some other magic. Every one is a fantastic musician, and they play hard and great together. All substance, no posing. Go hear 'em.

Horseface

I was at the Gorge last summer, Horseface. You are right, it truly was an amazing show. I'd heard on Sirius that Warren Haynes flew in from the Gov't Mule European Tour just to play.

The Gorge Amplitheatre is always chosen as one of the best outdoor concert venues in the world. I worked the main margarita booth, down by the stage that night for a non-profit group, checking ID's and serving beer/wine/margies. I am always amazed to see so many ID's/passports from Great Britian, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Norway. Washington State ID's only make up maybe 1/3rd. Especially over the Dave Matthews Band Labor Day concerts.

By the way, did you catch the opening act? The Doobie Brothers were incredibly tight that night, although I was never much of a fan.