Allman's 
on the side

With the session work selections, the material varies in that the band and singers differ from track-to-track. Some songs feature wailing guitars, while other tracks Duane plays a supplemental role. In an attempt to categorize, there are four main types of tracks: extended jams, supplemental roles, acoustic material, and the Allman Brothers Band. 

From the first disc, Duane sings "Goin' Down Slow." It features some dazzling guitar clocking in at 8:44. The highlight from disc one? This is one of those songs where the notes that aren't played as good as the ones that are. Other tracks that open up are the "B. B. King Medley" where in addition to strong guitar phrases, Gregg Allman does a good B. B. King vocal impersonation.  Boz Scagg's "Loan Me a Dime" offers an extended R&B workout. The familiar long time classic "Layla" showcases the electric guitar duo of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman.

Many of the tracks Duane's role is low-key offering tasty slide guitar fills and short solos. Among my favorites is Wilson Pickett's rendition of the Beatles classic "Hey Jude," which showcases not only Duane, but great horns and vocals. There are several other good songs where Duane backs up the likes of Aretha Franklin, Delaney and Bonnie as well as a Bob Dylan cover "Down Along The Cove" with Johnny Jenkins just to name a few. 

There are several acoustic songs. The album closer "Little Martha" from Eat a Peach is a gorgeous duet with Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. A good acoustic number, "Please Be With Me" by the band Cowboy that features Duane playing slide Dobro. Eric Clapton did a cover of the song on his album 461 Ocean Blvd. Speaking of Clapton, he and Duane perform a version of "Mean Old World" that subsequently was released on The Layla Sessions: 20 Anniversary Edition. The final acoustic track is "Rollin' Stone" with Johnny Jenkins, an urban blues gem indeed. 

There are five Allman Brothers Band songs that close the disc. Two live, and three studio. Most people that buy the Duane Allman Anthology already have the Allman Brothers CD's. If you don't fall into that camp, these songs will likely convince you that you should. 

Duane Allman is one of the truly special guitar players. His Anthology compiles material that is rare and spread among over a dozen albums, several that are out of print. For those that appreciate his genius will treasure this release.

Additional Notes:
Track List
In addition to personnel listing by track, the liner notes include a booklet written by Tony Glover along with several photos. 

I previously had Duane Allman Anthology Vol. 2 in the LP days. Its story is similar to the one noted above. I recall being knocked out by "Dimples," which is (or at least a version) included on the expanded editions of The Fillmore East releases. 

We have more details about this release in our Eric Clapton section. Duane Allman plays on all but the first three songs of this classic.
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs 
Review | Order | SACD

The Layla Sessions: 20th Anniversary Edition (box-set)
Review | Order
On the box-set, Duane plays on some of the outtakes, and some jams. The review provide the details of which tracks.

Book - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos

The Honeytribe is led by Devon Allman, Gregg Allman's son. Their debut album is entitled Torch. The music is not southern rock, rather it leans more to hard rock with an emphasis on blues. Devon voice is not sensational, but it fits the music quite well. His vocals sounds a bit like Elvis Costello on "When I Call Home," and "Nothing to Be Sad About," but more like Rainbow's Ronnie James Dio (without the high range) on "Perfect World." 

Torch includes two instrumentals, "Mahalo," and "511 Texas Avenue" both are quite good and among the best material on the album. "Mahalo" is a jammed out rocker while "511 Texas Avenue" is an acoustic bringing back memories of Eat a Peach's "Little Martha."

The band and songwriting is good yielding a solid band that has a solid future. Get a microscope out to read the album cover notes.
Additional Honeytribe Content

I gave a brief listen to Soul Serenade. My initial impression is that the music is good, but the style was not what I was seeking. It starts out wonderful with one of my favorite melodies on the title track, but then it moves toward Reggae. There is more jazz than blues. The personnel incorporate quite a bit of flute too, which isn't my favorite instrument. Though, certain bands like Marshall Tucker and Jethro Tull are too good to not make an exception for. 

While I wasn't initially knocked out, the music can be appealing as the band is great. Derek Trucks guitar playing is superb as he'll effortlessly offers hints of Jeff Beck in his prime and others time Duane Allman, but with his own personality. 

1. Soul Serenade/Rasta Man Chant  
2. Bock To Bock  
3. Drown In My Own Tears  
4. Afro Blue  
5. Elvin  
6. Oriental Folk Song  
7. Sierra Leone  

Hourglass