Allman Brothers Band
by antiGUY

This time we are doing things a little differently. Since the new studio album from the Allman Brothers Band is so strong, we wanted to that fact to be the main focus of this article. So instead of the full blown Legends feature on the Allman Brothers Band where we recount their history, we are instead bringing you a review focused entirely on their new album, “Hittin’ The Note”. 
 

The long wait is over for Allman Brothers Band fans as the band releases their first new studio album in almost a decade. The great news is they deliver the goods and then some. “Hittin’ The Note” is classic bluesy southern rock delivered in the patented Allman Brothers style.  

While some of the names have changed, “Hittin’ The Note” is like walking through a time machine and the band has not lost sight of what made them legends oh so long ago and this album is the perfect vehicle for turning a new generation on to the magic of the Allman Brothers Band. 

Lead Guitarist Warren Haynes had big shoes to fill when he joined the group, taking the slot once held by the legendary Duane Allman but he once again meets the test and captures that old Allman charm with emotional leads that just cry the blues. He is more than aptly aided by Derek Trucks who had the insurmountable task of filling Dickey Betts old slot. While it’s not quite the same as the golden era of the band when Duane and Dickey provided the perfect counter point to one another’s unique styles, Warren and Derek step up to the plate and hit grand slams of their own and carry on the fine tradition of the band.  

Gregg Allman’s soulful vocals remind us once again why generations fell in love with this band. He never misses a beat and is aided by a more than competent rhythm section. Gregg really shines on the mournful ballad “Old Before My Time” with his gruff and potent vocals.  He still wails the blues with the best of them on other tracks like the album opener “Firing Line,” “Heart of Stone” and “Who To Believe” but the real high point of the album comes when the 12 minute and 17 second jam “Instrumental Illness” kicks in. This seemingly freeform jam really showcases the strong musicianship within the current incarnation of band. 

The bottom line: “Hittin’ the Note” lives up to its name and validates that old cliché’ “good things come to those who wait”. 
 

• Visit the Official website.

Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online