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From the early inception of The Allman Brothers Band,
a bi-product of The Allman Joys & Hourglass, to the
eponymous release of the 1969 Allman Brothers Band
album, the musical community across the globe has
welcomed the members with open arms. Arguably the
greatest "blues" album ever released by a
predominantly caucasian group, ABB has continued to
mesmerize and entertain for nearly four decades. The
advent of The Wanne Festival in Florida was a
clandestine effort with Gregg Allman and the band and
every known family member of the band also in
attendance. Govt' Mule, Derek Trucks Band, Susan
Tedeschi, Liz Berlin & Rusted Root and ten thousand
fans that traversed the highways of America to see
this two day ritual of classic Americana "blues" by
legendary Hall Of Fame band The Allman Brothers and
their friends. The list of songs is irrelevant
although the greatest "blues" tune ever written by a
Caucasian is poignant for this event, i.e., "Whipping
Post". Gregg was stoic but stellar, Warren Haynes was
brilliant, verifying his rightful place in the
pantheons of guitar Gods and Derek Trucks solidified
his niche as a youthful prodigy ready to ascend the
throne one day as th greatest player on the planet. A
band that once upon a time had descended into virtual
obscurity and chemical dependency after the untimely
death of Duane Allman in 1971, displayed the enduring
talent that has allowed them to flourish well into the
21st century. There remains some underlying sadness
when thinking about the magnitude of the band when
they first impacted the rock n' roll genre during the
glory days of The Fillmore East and other known haunts
of The Golden Age but this festival stands as a
testament to the music that endures and transcends
from decade to decade.
Gregg remains as one of the four greatest "white"
blues singers of all time, along with Michael
McDonald, Daryl Hall, and Bob Mosley of Moby Grape.
His 60th birthday is rapidly approaching and what once
looked like an early demise for the multi-talented
Gregg now appears as if he may go on forever.
Time is always the best barometer of greatness but the
impact of the ABB has been duly noted and the Wanne
Festival in 2007 stands as a reminder that great music
is not restricted to the very young.
The bands were impeccable, the fans appreciative and
the Wanne Festival staff comfortable with the
knowledge of a job well done. Few bands have walked
the line of euphoria and grandeur mirrored with
tragedy and self indulgence like the ABB and overcome
all obstacles to retain the title as America's
greatest "blues" band.
Kudos to all involved for an event that was run
efficiently with crowd rapport and cultural
acceptance, just like back in the day and..as it
should be.
Cheers
Don Aters - Haight Street Music News
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