Record Reviews

ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND ~ LIVE FROM A&R STUDIOS ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 821229111625 (Barcode: 821229111625) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016 This is an archival live album by the iconic American Rock group The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, recorded for a radio broadcast on August 26, 1971 at the A&R Studios in NY. The Allmans were in top form, following the explosive success of their seminal / iconic live album “At Fillmore EastFind albums with this title” recorded half a year earlier, and of course completely oblivious of the forthcoming tragedy which was about to strike with the death of Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist just two months later. It presents the first lineup of the group, which included the six founding members: guitarist Duane Allman, vocalist / keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dickey BettsFind albums by this artist, bassist Berry OakleyFind albums by this artist, drummer / percussionist Jai Johanny JohansonFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. JaimoeFind albums by this artist) and drummer Butch TrucksFind albums by this artist. The album presents the entire set of that recording session, nine tracks of superb playing by the band, with two extended tracks running eleven and nineteen minutes respectively. The music was carefully restored form the original tapes and the sound quality is as perfect, as the forty-five years old tapes were able to capture it at the time, which is definitely good enough to enjoy the music without any hitch. During the performance the band pay tribute to their friend, saxophonist King CurtisFind albums by this artist, who was tragically murdered just a few days earlier. They included a medley of two songs in his memory, which is the longest track on this album and which includes what can be considered as the most monumental guitar solo by Duane Allman. As far as Blues-Rock is concerned, this is simply a brilliant live album. And no, I never get enough of this band… Overall, this is a dazzling document of an exceptional band, and the times, when Rock was King and Gods were smiling at the gifted musicians, who produced timeless anthems, such as this. Rock improvisation, which is the name of the game here, never sounded better and is still light-years ahead of anything played today.

Updated: 26/03/2023Posted: 26/03/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS ~ LIVIN` ON THE OPEN ROAD AIR CUTS 8064 (Barcode: 5292317806412) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2017 This is an album by American singer / songwriter couple Delaney BramlettFind albums by this artist and Bonnie BramlettFind albums by this artist, known as Delaney & BonnieFind albums by this artist and later as Delaney & Bonnie & FriendsFind albums by this artist. It presents a live performance at the A&R Studios in NY, captured for broadcast on FM radio. They are accompanied by a set of wonderful musicians, which includes guitarist Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, his brother keyboardist Gregg AllmanFind albums by this artist, saxophonist King CurtisFind albums by this artist and many others. Duane Allman and King Curtis would be both dead a few weeks / months (respectively) after this recording was made, which sadly is among their last recordings. The concert presents an acoustic and an electric set and culminates with an epic eighteen minutes long jam. The music reflects the true spirit of Delaney & Bonnie and includes mostly Blues / Country / Rhythm And Blues material, which was their natural habitat. The intimacy, informality and obvious camaraderie of the session offer a close look at their modus operandi, which mixes heartfelt vocals with great instrumental work, which is deadly effective. The short acoustic set offers some superb slide guitar work by Duane Allman and the electric set presents a full Rhythm And Blues band with a Funky brass section and great saxophone work by King Curtis. Considering the fact that the collected recording legacy of Delaney & Bonnie is as concise as their short-lived career, every addition to their discography is a true feast. Although the Delaney & Bonnie legacy is often neglected and forgotten, it is definitely unforgettable and worth coming back too. It is essentially one of the best and most honest American Rock ever created. Side Note Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time. Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere. The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners. Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 15/05/2019

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend