Allman Brothers - The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East

Media:	Audio CD
Record label:	Mercury / Universal
Release date:	14 October, 1997
List price:	~~$13.98~~
Our price:	$9.99 that is 29% off!

The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East

Average rating: Stars

Masterpiece

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!"

The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East - Allman Brothers

Boy howdy, there's nothing better

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.

Allman Brothers - The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East

5 stars - retort to Dork posting Fred Dursts Numba One Fann

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".