Classic Rock Radio

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND TO RELEASE NEW LIVE ALBUM IN FEBRUARY 2014

NEW LIVE ALBUM "BOSTON COMMON 8/17/71"

Reported from Guitar World on January 2, 2014, In February, the group's Allman Brothers Band recording company will issue Boston Common 8/17/71, which was recorded 10 weeks before the death of co-founding guitarist Duane Allman. It's one of the few Duane Allman-era shows that no fan has heard or owns. 

John Lynskey — ABB authority and publisher of the group’s Hittin’ The Note magazine — wrote the liner notes for Boston Common 8/17/71 and sums up the new Boston release:

“1971 was a watershed year for the Allman Brothers Band — they recorded their seminal live album, At Fillmore East, in March, and continued to tour relentlessly. By this point, their performances had reached a level of musicianship and intensity that other groups could only dream of.

"At Fillmore East was released in July to massive critical acclaim, and a month later, they rolled back into Boston to once again jam in the Common, playing two shows on August 17. Boston Common 8/17/71 manages to capture the loose and engaging early set, with the band clearly enjoying themselves — Berry [Oakley]’s stage banter is particularly engaging as he comments on the group’s relationship with Boston and their friendship with the J. Geils Band.

"As for the music, Duane’s slide guitar is blistering on ‘Statesboro Blues’ and ‘Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’’; his interplay with Dickey [Betts] on ‘You Don’t Love Me’ is a complex masterpiece, and their dual melody line on ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ is flawless. Gregg’s vocal work is stellar throughout, and his growl on ‘Trouble No More’ clearly justifies his reputation as one of the best blues singers of all time. Berry, Butch and Jaimoe lay down a rhythm foundation that is a mile wide — the thumping bass line and syncopated drum patterns turn the ‘Whipping Post’ finale into a musical maelstrom.”