The Allman Brothers Band - The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East
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Free Music Notes for The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East
Free Music Review: the best?
Hit: 4 Stars
Many reviewers here would have you believe that 'The Allman Brothers Band At Fillmore East' is the finest rock show ever recorded. That's not only a subjective claim, but it's lofty and debatable as well. Certainly a concert recorded at the same venue just months prior to these March 1971 gigs, Derek & the Dominos 'Live At the Fillmore East' give the Allmans a substantial run for their money. The compositions offered by Clapton are unquestionably superior, and Clapton is up to his brow in guitar genius, arguably at the virtual peak of his performing career. On the other hand, the Allmans are a tighter composite band, Gregg's vocals are more skillfully (often gut-wrenchingly) delivered, and Duane claims a specialized expertise on the slide guitar unmatched in rock lore, and documented more clearly here than anywhere else in the Allman catalog. How about calling it a tie? Probably too much like kissing your sister for the Allman's base of fans.
All that being said, there is no question that this is one of the finest performances ever released on vinyl, magnetic tape, and digital stock. I always attributed much of the Allman's success on the presence of not one, but two elite lead guitarists (Dickey Betts and Duane Allman), and not one, but two drum kits, one occupied by Jai Johanny Johanson and another by Butch Trucks. These unique elements, more than anything else distinguish the Allman sound from their competitors and imitators. I especially enjoy listening to their recordings on stereo headphones, picking up their combined backbeats and guitar progressions, a seperate one for each ear. It's pretty remarkable how these percussion artists can perform slightly different styles and still blend in perfectly with the rest of the band, seemingly never stepping into one another's place in the music. It's also remarkable that Betts and Duane can find plenty of room for both of their prodigious talents, along with Gregg's meanderings on organ, and not sound muddled at any point in time. It's everything a band should be.
That's not to say these discs don't have some drawbacks. Number one is that the setlist doesn't get to a track composed by the Allman's until 'Hot 'Lanta' pops up on side three of the original vinyl release. Only 3 of the seven tracks are penned by the band, and only one of those offers any vocals. Good thing the band is so accomplished instrumentally, because they certainly don't rely on their lyrical talents. While the band only had two studio albums behind them at the time these live discs were recorded, some of their compositions, such as Gregg's 'Midnight Rider' could have been featured. Instead, the first four tracks are a collection of blues covers. The Allmans breathe new life into each and every one, transforming them into immediate southern blues-rock classics. 'Stormy Monday' has been covered by everyone from Albert King to Eric Clapton to Mountain, and the Allman's offer their own smooth rendition. Their nearly nine minute version does get a bit lost however, but not as lost as the nineteen-plus minute version of Willie Cobbs 'You Don't Love Me', which descends into a nearly two-minute guitar solo (solo in this case meaning 'alone') in the middle. I'll take the over-the-top psychedelic version offered by Al Kooper and Stephen Stills on the 'Super Session' disc anyday.
The best tracks on 'At Fillmore East' open and close the disc. 'Statesboro Blues', and 'Done Somebody Wrong' are tight, well-executed blues numbers, and the closers, 'In Memory of Elizabeth Reed' is a stirring instrumental, while 'Whipping Post' is arguably one of the band's most intense productions. Despite my respect for this recording, I find their follow-up release, 'Eat a Peach', to be clearly superior, indeed the band's masterwork. Duane, despite being lost in a motorcycle accident, is still prominently featured in both live and studio tracks, Dickey Betts is peaking as a composer, and we're treated to a wealth of memorable songs penned by the band. Truth is, both releases are essential elements of any comprehensive rock music collection.
Free Music Review: Masterpiece
Hit: 5 Stars
An inspiring guitarist dies and is met at the Pearly Gates where he meets St. Peter. In the backround he hears a brilliant slide guitar and he asks, "St. Peter, who is that in the backround, is that Duane Allman?" St. Peter somewhat distracted ignores him and goes through his paperwork. The guitar work in the backround becomes more and more impressive as the new person begs, "St. Peter, I understand I have died and I am about to enter heaven, it would be a great reward to just once meet Duane Allman. Is that him I hear?" St. Peter finally retorts, rolls his eyes upwards and says, "No sir, that is not Duane Allman, that is God....he just thinks he's Duane Allman!"Free Music Review: Boy howdy, there's nothing better
Hit: 5 Stars
I have many regrets in my life. At the top of this rather long list, along with never stepping foot on another planet, is missing the Allman Brothers' Fillmore East concert in 1971. Why, you ask? Buy this landmark recording and you will understand.
The Allman Bros, in the days of Duane Allman (who, in my opinion, is probably the best slide guitarist to ever pick up a bottleneck) were the best live band, and this recording illustrates this fact beautifully. Through the seven recordings pieced together here, the band keeps you on the edge of your seat, and sometimes knocks you off.
THe whole band starts out white-hot with a scathing rendition of "Statesboro Blues." Dickey Betts is a little stiff on the first couple tunes, but he soon is pushed to the title of blues master by Duane. Then comes a reworking of Elmore James' "Done Somebody Wrong," Which is probably my least favorite on the album, but nevertheless, a great song. The band cruises through five more, some reaching marathon lengths, like "Whipping Post," which is worth every second.
The true highlight of the album, though, is the brilliant cover of T-Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday." The musicianship is superb,and Gregg's vocals (and organ, I might add) are top-notch. The amazingly terrific solos are played atop one of the best-sounding rhythm sections in the biz, which is the recipe for blues perfection.
As far as the improvisation goes, Allman and Betts are on the same level as the best of the best. In fact I think it may be truthful to say that they are the best. Allman's slide is like quicksilver rolling over his strings, and through every song e doesn't repeat a lick. He has become my idol, and I have tried in vain to become the replacement Duane Allman since I first heard this album. The crowd eggs him on maniacally, and he is quick to hush and satisfy them with his relaxed and thoughtful way of playing, sometimes (like at the 11-minute mark of "In memory of Elizabeth Reed, and throughout most of "Whipping Post") working the band into a frenzy. Barry Oakley matches him and Dickey perfectly, while Butch Trucks and triple-J belt out tight thunder.
Everything on the album is blues and rock perfection, with incredibly quick responses from the rhythm section. I dream of traveling back in time and seeing that legendary concert, but since I know that is impossible, I settle for this recording, which is as close as it gets to taking you to the making of the greatest live album of all time.
Free Music Review: 5 stars - retort to Dork posting Fred Dursts Numba One Fann
Hit: 5 Stars
I actually own this CD and can truthfully give 5 stars. This is a true classic -- probably their best. In response to Fred Dursts Numba One Fann posting, not that anyone would actually take a 17 year old, Hippity Hoppity loving, goober's review with any seriousness, this Allman Brothers classic has already stood the test of time and will be around long after Fred Dursts Numba One Fann hits puberty (in about 10 years +). Of course, if youv'e never even heard of the Allman Brothers, this may not be for you. And besides, "they've never even been on MTV".Free Music Review: one of the greatest live albums ever
Hit: 5 Stars
the allman brothers band live at fillmore east is certainly one of the greatest live albums ever recorded.IT IS A MASTERPIECE.i own this cd since 10 years and still listen to it frequently.this brilliant southern rock group contained two of the greatest guitarists in Duane allman and Dickey betts. and featured blistering live renditions of classics like STATESBORO BLUES,WHIPPIN POST and more.very very highly recommended.get this with THE OUTLAWS'S BRING IT BACK ALIVE and LYNYRD SKYNYRD'S ONE MORE FROM THE ROAD and FOGHAT'S LIVE album.five stars.