Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
When you bill the night as the Allman Betts Family Revival, let's just say that there's a lot of added pressure. Is this some sort of tribute band? Poseurs? Wannabes?
In reality, this may be about as close to the Allman Brothers Band as one could hope for when considering that the mainstays – Dickey Betts and Greg and Duane Allman – have left us.
The Allman Betts Band is led by Duane Betts and Devon Allman, the sons of Betts and Greg Allman. By looking at them, you can rest assured that they have inherited their father's genes.
And after a really expansive, two-set, 2 ¾-hour marathon, the Allman Betts contingent also apparently inherited the musical genes. This was a night of tribute to the musical forebearers, even if the Allman Betts band does have their own set of songs.
Getting help from a rotating band of musicians – including Robert Randolph, Jimmy Hall and Sierra Hull among many others - only enhanced the night.
Allman and Betts took center stage for portions of the night with both of them taking lead vocals on songs including "It's Not My Cross to Bear" and "Blue Sky" respectively. One could hear their fathers singing the songs, but the offspring know a thing or two about playing. Betts was particularly sharp on guitar with lots of extended runs, and while serious looking for most of the night, he cracked a smile toward the end, apparently and understandably happy how the night was going. Allman's playing on the organ only amplified "It's Not My Cross to Bear."
While they were the focus, they also were happy to cede center stage to a bunch of well-placed guests, who only added to the night.
At 75, Jimmy Hall showed no signs of slowing down. The former singer of Wet Willie was clearly in his element, taking on the chestnut and closing song of the regular set, "Whipping Post." Allman Betts left the song in the most capable hands of Hall. He also scored in the first set on "Statesboro Blues," blowing harmonica. He seemed so overjoyed to be included that he hung around a bit after the concert ended, slapping hands with fans and just clearly enjoying himself.
Perhaps the most surprising guest was Hull a mandolin player, who is more used to playing on the bluegrass circuit than Allman Brothers music. Hull sure made her electric mandolin sound like an electric guitar on one song.
Lamar Williams Jr., another ABB offspring, came out to sing a well done "Trouble No More." G Love's bluesy vocals on "One Way Out" cut deep as did Larry McCray's more traditional blues sound on "Stormy Monday" and later on "Soulshine."
Randolph received a lot of face time with his, as usual, exquisite pedal steel playing. Sometimes he occupied the sonic front and center, making that instrument sing. Other times, he was in the background, but still adding to the mix. Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi All Stars kept a mighty steady beat, guesting on drums for most of the night, while brother Luther helped out on guitar on a few songs.
This was not all about the guests though because the players in Allman Betts Band are excellent players in their own rite – guitarist Johnny Stachela, keyboardist John Ginty, percussionist/sax man David Gomez and bassist Justin Corgan were particular standouts.
They all came together (except for Randolph) at the end for yet one more chestnut, "Midnight Rider." The Revival rose to the occasion one last time.
"Pressure is a privilege," said tennis great Billie Jean King. In the case of the Allman Betts Family Revival, the privilege to hear a night of great music was all ours.