Here I was anticipating a midnight rider’s song but before that could happen we needed the appetizer, Honeytribe sounded similar to the "strung-out" sounds of Duane Allman prepping us for a night of southern enjoyment. Front man Devon Allman did not fall far from the talent tree of his papa Gregg, or Uncle Duane. Their mixture of rock, blues, and even reggae warmed the sparse chatting crowd.
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Gregg Allman & Friends
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 Entertainment
Art
House of Blues
Chicago, Ill.
January 12, 2007
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Devon's talent on the strings shined a positive message in all their songs, even the heartbroken ones. Covering Marley's "No woman, No cry" Honey Tribe did well to show their musical diversity and understanding of several genres that obviously inspired them to play.
Once Honeytribe closed, a lengthy break occurred in which we all got to know the drunken fool in the crowd who waited "30 years" to see this show, and subsequently ruin the first half for the majority of people close to the stage.
Then, the main course Gregg Allman the remaining little brother who picked up the guitar first came to bring us songs from roads traveled over decades of hits. His demeanor like his character, soft and relaxed created an atmosphere appropriate for a gathering of long time friends and family. Gregg has been through the dark ends of life, his father murdered in a robbery, his older brother killed in a motorcycle accident far too young. He has that thousand mile stare that military men often speak of.
The majority of the concert was spent behind the organ backing up the unbelievable guitarist Val McCallum. Gregg’s blissful enjoyment of entertaining was evident in his grandfatherly smirk, and the pride he has in his band mates. His drummer Steve Pots from the famous "Booker T and the MG's" and long time friend pianist Nick Larson flawlessly maintained a jubilant attitude and rhythm that swept the audience off their feet. McCallum's wickedly astounding guitar solos shook people to scream out in cries of the blues.
On a cover of Dylan's "Just Like a Woman" Allman brought lovers together, his voice still strong and ethereal pouring out from that trademark beard and "hippie" long hair. Moving right along Allman would occasionally pull a guitar over his shoulder and strum away leading the band all the while making the crowd ache for more. Covering The Grateful Dead's classic "Turn on your love light" Allman and friends put motion in the hips of the mainly stiff white folk humming along.
In the second half of a surprisingly long show (especially when standing) Gregg pulled out the classics that everyone loves. In a heart crushing version of "Melissa" he caused the entire audience to softly swoon while singing every lyric along with him.
The only song that did not hit as usually was "Whipping Post" Gregg's version was not quite as painful as ABB's version, yet seemed to still satisfy. Gregg came back on after a long pause for an amazing encore with "Statesboro Blues" one of the most highly regarded of Allman Brothers tunes. He went on to perform with the mastery of someone truly doing what they love.
He will continue to be admired and revered by audiences across this land as one of the greatest living American musicians. Skydog would surely be proud of his little bro.
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Turn On Your Love Light
Written by Guest on 2007-01-24 19:09:31
Good review of what sounds like a great show. One correction is about the song "Turn On Your LOve Light". It was neither written nor first recorded by the Grateful Dead. The song was written by trumpeter/arranger Joe Scott and first done by blues/R&B singer Bobby "Blue" Bland in 1961. |
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