Allman-Betts Family Revival @ Naarm 1 April 2024
Rainy Monday But Our Souls Were Shining
The Allman Brothers Band’s (ABB) music and the blues roots they turned me onto as a teenager make up a big part of my early musical education. Artists like Elmore James, T-Bone Walker, and Blind Willie McTell were the songwriting names next to One Way Out, Stormy Monday and Statesboro Blues when I read the credits on those records. Their records and multiple live recordings get a play quite often to this day.
The songs of the Allman Brothers Band are sacred. I was praying that the Allman Brothers Family Revival would not make a fool of anyone when they gathered with guests at The Northcote Theatre on April 1, 2024. You have to honor these songs not simply cover them. You figured with Allman and Betts and Oakley you were going to get more than something you might hear down at the RSL.
They were on point. Bring on jam band Monday Night.
Devon Allman is the late Gregg Allmans son and Duane Betts is Dicky Betts's son in case you don’t have a programme. Berry Duane Oakley is the son of the ABB’s original bass man, Berry Oakley.
With Allman and Betts you don’t have to work too hard to see which one is which, even without a programme. There were moments I would look at Duane’s mug and think I was looking at his Dad and it was 1972. Had to shake my head clear, man.
Ally Venable and Larry McCrary came over from the USA and Ashley Naylor, Geoff Achison,Phil Manning, Harts and Charlie Bedford were invited as the Down Under Family Revival contingent. Guitar solo heaven that was truly magical. Ally knocked out the Gregg Allman song I’m No Angel and Larry belted out “Soulshine” with various keyboards and guitars wailing.
So much of this music has deep memories for many people and it was as if we were paying homage to these holy hymns at the Northcote Theatre. Well, we were. Yes, of course, that is a fact.
The gig was not sold out which made dancing a breeze and the lack of numbers was made up by the pure joy and attentiveness that the gathering possessed. The size of the crowd was irrelevant as they were locked in.
One Way Out brought the room to another level as bones started shaking as did the floor.
Guitar highlights from Harts and Charlie Bedford were a new find for some. Phil Manning soloed on Soulshine and wherever he could get the chance. During Midnight Rider Manning took a solo that seemed to be unexpected, but welcome, as Devon and Duane chuckled about it. Well, that’s what it looked like at least from where some stood.
Devon announced the encore by saying we are going to play some more numbers as we don’t get down here very often. The encore was made up of their 2 originals, Magnolia Road and Pale Horse Rider, and it appeared that Duane was having some vocal trouble. He smiled and motioned to his throat and looked at Devon and they kept going but made some vocal changes.
Everyone came out for the closing Midnight Rider. There was going to be a big drain on the electricity grid in Northcote for some minutes. Everyone was plugged in for the joyous singalong which had the entire Northcote Theatre Chois in top vocal form.
With bands like this and the Tedeschi Trucks band and others, these songs will live forever. Whether they be old blues covers or ABB originals, they are now the hymn book of our church.
Have you been baptised?
Forever and Ever.
Set List
Sailin' 'Cross the Devil's Sea
Blue Sky
I'm No Angel
No One to Run With
One Way Out
Melissa
Soulshine
Dreams
Jessica
Encore:
Magnolia Road
Pale Horse Rider
Midnight Rider
