
A magical night of revelry as the Allman Betts Band bring their traveling revival show to the fabulous Majestic Theatre in downtown Dallas.
Honoring the music of late great Gregg Allman, son Devon Allman and Duane Betts, Dickey Betts son, have created a family style tradition road show of musicians that reach the heights of musical euphoria. Their 10 city tour that began in St. Louis, MO on November 27th, will roll through selective cities throughout the entire month of December.An early Christmas gift for any classic rock music fan and guitar enthusiast.
This nights line included heavy hitters; Robert Randolph, Eric Gales, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Samantha Fish, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, and the legendary Jimmy Hall on what was a musical rotation wheel of a four hour concert.
With many Allman Brothers Band classics on the set list, Devon and Duane took turns bringing their rendition song by song with guest after guest. Timeless tunes like "Statesboro Blues", "Dreams", "Melissa", "Trouble No More", "Southbound" and even a Gregg Allman solo "I'm No Angel" to name a few. If you were paying attention, you could hear a touch of "Mountain Jam" graced the stage. The uncanny vocals of Devon revering his fathers voice and Duanes smooth guitar leads Dickey is known for had the audience captivated and anticipation what they would play next. It was amazing and somewhat proudful to hear the music of the Allman Brothers Band being performed by the sons of the iconic musicians live on stage!
Along with the big names on the bill and the established Allman Betts Band, they brought a list of players to highlight the revival such as: Lilly Haitt, John Haitt's daughter, Art Edmiston, Lamer Williams Jr. Joan Shaw Taylor and and Texas honey Ally Venable. The complete list of musicians is much longer than I remember, so I apologize for leaving anyone out. But the list of musicians doesn't end there, other artists like Beth Hart, Kenny Aronoff, JD Simo, Jessica Lynn, G Love and Charley Starr of Blackberry Smoke, who was recently added, will be joining the tour in selective markets.
To say there was one or even a few highlights during the show would be an injustice. There were many! But the ones that still ring today, the classic Wet Willie number "Keep On Smiling" with Jimmy Hall on lead vocals, "I Want My Crown" by Eric Gales, "Move By Yourself" by Robert Randolph and the two closing numbers, "One Way Out" and "Midnight Rider" as all the musicians were invite back on stage for a grand finale.
And awesome night of music to a great legendary singer, awesome songwriter and all around bad ass, Mr. Gregg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band legacy. This is one show NOT to miss.Two Thumbs up to the River Kittens who opened the show!