CD of the Week Dec. 31, 2000-January 6, 2001

Peakin’ at the Beacon

The Allman Brothers Band

Epic

The Allman Brothers have been around forever and it sometimes seems like they have released about 600 live albums during their career. The latest in this series is a one disc affair recorded at New York’s Beacon Theatre entitled, Peakin’ at the Beacon. The Allmans have a lot to live up to here since their live album, Live at the Fillmore East is certainly one of the most explosive live documents ever.

The disc captures a time of change in the long career of the band. This run of shows was not only near the beginning of guitarist Derek Trucks tenure, but these shows also marked the last for founding member, Dickey Betts. Soon after these shows Betts was kicked out of the band and one of the excuses was that his playing was really suffering. It does seem strange that they would then issue a live album based around these performances. To his credit Betts sounds good on both guitar and vocals here especially on ‘Seven Turns". This is also the first release to feature new Allman’s bassist Oteil Burbridge.

Because of all the personal changes, this is a much different band than we have heard on record before. Trucks and Burbridge really give the music a jolt of energy. Trucks is the nephew of drummer, Butch Trucks and is already one of the premier slide guitarists in the world in his early 20’s. Burbridge is best known for his work in the seminal early 90’s jamband, Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit. Both of these new guys bring a heavy jazz and improvisational flavor to the Allman’s already potent stew.

For this release chose to showcase lesser known tunes that in general have not been on previous live albums. It is really nice to hear Gregg Allman belt out a powerful version of one of my favorite tunes, "Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More" Gregg’s vocals are sounding exceptionally strong and vibrant these days. Trucks and Betts weave their guitar lines together beautifully. Since Trucks literally grew up listening to this music he has no problem leading the band through all sorts of changes both bluesy and spacey. He manages to invoke the spirit of Duane Allman without being a clone.

The highlight of the disc for me is the last track called "High Falls". It is along instrumental piece with all sorts of improvisational passages. Derek and Oteil again shine here.

Overall this is a fine release. The sound could be a little clearer, especially on the vocals, but this is still a great snapshot of this era of the Allman Brothers. It is probably not the place to start if you don’t own any other ABB live releases, but it is worthy addition to their live canon and if you dig either Derek Trucks or Oteil Burbridge, it is a must buy.