The Allman Brothers Band - The Allman Brothers Band (1969)

The Allman Brothers Band are an American band formed in the late 60s, considered highly influential in the genre of southern rock, and also known for their musical improvisation in concert.

Brothers Duane and Gregg Allman grew up in Daytona Breach, Florida, and played in many bands together throughout the 60s, most notably The Allman Joys and The Hour Glass. The latter were signed to Liberty Records and moved to L.A. in 1967, but their two albums failed and they broke up a year later. Duane then went to work as a studio musician in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and before long was starting to put together a new group back in Florida. Gregg was called back from L.A. to front the group, and The Allman Brothers Band were formed in 1969. They were soon signed to the newly formed Capricorn Records.
Their debut album featured the original lineup of Gregg Allman (vocals & organ), Duane Allman (guitar), Dickey Betts (guitar), Berry Oakley (bass), Butch Trucks (drums) and Jaimoe Johanson (drums & percussion). With their use of two drummers they brought elements of jazz to the familiar blues-rock pallette, and this jazzy vibe was evident in much of the instrumental framework of their debut. They also had two formidable guitarists in Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, who shared lead roles, often harmonizing together. Gregg Allman's vocals brought a distinctive southern flavour to their sound. Though it is often left in the shadow of their next four albums, their debut already demonstrated that they were miles ahead of most of their contemporaries in terms of instrumental ability and musical vision, leaving other blues-rock bands appearing clumsy and leaden in comparison. Great things were to come.

|> Idlewild South (1970)
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