The Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Beacon Theatre

Rating:
Summary: ****3/4. Great concert video
Review: Featuring new lead guitarist Derek Trucks, this superb DVD thoroughly outshines the mediocre 2000 live album "Peakin' At The Beacon", and it would serve as a great companion volume to the recent 2004 live album from the Beacon Theatre, "One Way Out".

The Allman Brothers Band lost a characteristic voice and a fine guitarist in Dickey Betts, but Gov't Mule frontman Warren Haynes and drummer Butch Trucks' nephew Derek make a near-perfect pair, and if 55-year-old Gregg Allman's vocals sound a little bit worn, they're still as soulful as ever.

"Live At The Beacon Theatre" was recorded over two nights (March 25-26) in 2003, and the 22-track set list includes early favorites like "Statesboro Blues", "Ain't Wastin' Time No More", "Don't Keep Me Wonderin'", "Come And Go Blues", and "Whippin' Post", mixed with excellent latter-day numbers. The band was touring behind "Hittin' The Note" at the time, and great renditions of "High Cost Of Low Living", the driving rocker "Maydell", Gregg Allman's poignant "Old Before My Time", and Warren Haynes' "Soulshine" are all among the (many) highlights.
Haynes is a terrific blues singer, and his rough, tough performance of Willie Dixon's "The Same Thing" is probably the best recording of that song I've ever heard the Allman Brothers Band do.

Great sound, great picture quality, and lots of interesting background stuff (including interviews with the entire band). Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Great Performance (what do you expect from ABB?)
Review: I recently purchased and watched this DVD, and I was absolutely blown away from the very start. Not only is the sound terrific, but the song list is very strong. Although I'm too young to really identify with the Allman Brothers of the 70's, I believe that Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes do their job and do it well. The soul of the band is evident through their performance. Songs such as "Soul Shine," "Whipping Post," and "Statesboro Blues" are absolutely out of this world. If you're a fan of rock, blues, jazz, world music, etc. then add this DVD to your collection. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Final Permutation
Review: If you are a little interested in the Allman Bros. you should seriously consider getting this DVD. If you are a ABB fan then it is a "Must See DVD". My only complaint would be that the band seems a little too relaxed and aloof. This is probably because they are an incredibly tight band and such competent musicians that playing together is effortless. All of the songs sound great with the exception of Melissa which should be dropped from their show because Greg Allman's vocals can no longer carry it. Other than that it is a perfect performance, and the intimacy of the Beacon theatre contributes to their playing style. Finally, I would suggest that the young Derek Trucks is going to give Eric Clapton a run for his money.