Free Music Notes for Brothers and Sisters

The Allman Brothers Band - Brothers and Sisters

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Free Music Notes for Brothers and Sisters

Free Music Review: Southern Rock Goes Mainstream
Hit: 4 Stars

After the tragic death of guitarist Duane Allman, The Allman Brothers regrouped and came up with their most accesssible album up until that time. Gone were the extended guitar workouts that had previously been their signature (indeed, the entire running length of "Brothers and Sisters" is barely longer than the half hour-plus song "Mountain Jam" from the preceeding album). In their place came some terrific songwriting hooks and their most popular single, "Ramblin' Man," which took its place alongside Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" as the twin towers of Southern rock anthems.

Other standout tracks include fine rockers "Wasted Words" and "Southbound," as well as the gorgeous instrumental "Jessica." The band also keeps in touch with its roots with "Come and Go Blues" and the more traditional country sounding "Pony Boy." Only the short length (only 7 tracks) of the album keep it feeling somewhat slight and out of 5 star territory.

Overall, a fine recording that once and for all established Southern rock as a cultrual force.


Free Music Review: Brothers and Sisters - Essential Allman Brothers Band
Hit: 5 Stars

In 1969 session guitarist Duane Allman put together what would become one of the best rock bands in America. The lineup included two drummers(Jaimo Johanson & Butch Trucks), bass player (Berry Oakley), singer and organist (brother Greg Allman) and another lead guitarist (Richard Betts). What was immediately notable, apart from two drummers, was the way Duane Allman and Richard Betts played twin lead guitars - either in harmony or taking turns at solos. The music on the first four albums ('The Allman Brothers Band', 'Idlewild South', 'At Filmore East' & 'Eat a Peach') was blues rock with some jazz & country influences. What gained the band a name was their live shows with extended jams which featured the incredible guitar work by Allman & Betts. Many blues rock fans regard these albums as their finest work.
In late October 1971 tragedy struck when Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident. The band had been working on the fourth album 'Eat a Peach' and they now completed it with Richard Betts playing all lead & slide guitar parts. The album consisted of studio material (including the last guitar work by Duane Allman) & a live track 'Mountain Jam'. One song on the album written and sung by Richard Betts was the first indication of the sound he would bring to the band on their next album 'Brothers and Sisters'. The song was 'Blue Sky'.
Instead of trying to replace the guitar of Duane Allman, the band introduced Chuck Leavell on piano as the second soloist, but while they were working on their next album, Berry Oakley was also killed in a motorcycle accident.
Lamar Williams was recruited on bass and with Richard Betts as the defacto band leader the new lineup eventually finished work on the record. The completion of 'Brothers and Sisters' was a triumph over adversity and the band were rewarded with no.1 on the album charts after it's release in 1973.
'Brothers and Sisters' showcased Richard Betts' ability as a great singer songwriter as well as a brilliant guitarist. Another feature was Chuck Leavell's outstanding piano work. Greg Allman contributed three tracks: 'Wasted Words'- and the highlights,'Come and Go Blues' & 'Jelly Jelly', - but it was Betts who changed the focus of the band's sound with a more melodic country rock influence on the standout tracks: 'Ramblin' Man', 'Southbound', 'Jessica', and 'Pony Boy'.
'Brothers and Sisters' stands as a classic album in the history of the Allman Brothers Band and American Rock Music.

Free Music Review: My favorite album of all time
Hit: 5 Stars

This is the one!
What a great emotional, rewarding, musically brilliant album.
Everyone who I play it to somehow feels something special is happening.

Not a bad track on it.
'Jessica' would have to be the highlight track.
It's a shame there isn't any out-takes from these sessions at this time considering the amount of Re-Mastered CDs that are coming out with extra tracks.


Free Music Review: The Allman Brothers Band's Best Album
Hit: 5 Stars

BROTHERS AND SISTERS is the album where the Allman Brothers Band's blend of country, blues, jazz, rock, pop, and R&B finally and fully comes together. Unlike the first four albums, which could be a bit long-winded, this album keeps the band's tendency for overindulgent jamming in check, with four landmark rock songs. "Wasted Words" is about the importance of guarding one's tongue; "Ramblin' Man" is a travelling song; "Southbound" is about returning to home and hearth; and "Jessica" is the type of instrumental that ALL 70s jazz-rock bands should have aspired to. The Allman Brothers' advocacy of sanctions against countries that convict foreign tourists for trumped-up crimes makes BROTHERS AND SISTERS even more of an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.

Free Music Review: Betts' bestt
Hit: 4 Stars

Although I generally don't like country rock music, the Allman Brothers are just good, with enough alluring rock and blues to make me forget the country. However, Brothers and Sisters has more of a country flavor than other of their albums. "Ramblin' Man" is a good song but, as well as a classic, it is a classic radio-tired song. Not to knock it, for people know that. I also like "Southbound," straight blues and fast-paced, strong musically, zippy soloing. The rest, to be honest, doesn't interest me except...

Yes, I think Dickie Betts has the stronger entries on the album. And yes, the reason I am writing this review is because of "Jessica." Betts may have composed it with his little daughter in mind, but boy, it is about all of us. Musically brilliant, but can anyone think of a WARMER song, country rock or otherwise? Rich in texture and spirit, it exudes brightness and optimism. Chuck Leavell's piano jamming hardly falls short of Betts' brilliant guitar, either, and the organ glows in the background. It is the Allmans' acme, apologizes to Duane, and simply one of the best things ever written. Certainly, "Jessica" alone justifies getting Brothers and Sisters. And if you like the Allmans' country style more than I, there is more reason.

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