It has been over 9 months since we have seen Gov't Mule and almost a year since we have seen The Allman Brothers. I guess I am managing but the withdrawal shakes are starting to get more intense.
I'll get a bit of relief this upcoming Wednesday as The Allman Brothers Band hit Chicago. The venue is the Rosemont Theater which, while not my favorite, is far better than the Tweeter Bank World Center - or whatever they are calling it today.
An Allman Brothers Concert is probably not what you would expect it to be. This is not an oldies band or a tribute band. They are not a greatest hits band. If you go expecting a retrospective of their popular tunes, you will not find what you are looking for.
What you will find is a band in top form - even as they approach their 40th year. Musically, they are top notch. The dual guitar attack of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks will leave you breathless, and will likely have you stooping down to pick up your jaw as it hits the floor. Oteil and the 3 man rhythm section lay down an irresistable groove and Gregg is in as strong a voice as I have ever heard him.
Watching a group of musicians who so enjoy what they do, revelling in the spontaneous creation of live music is just about the greatest thing one can experience. It is sometimes hard to tell who is enjoying it more - us or them. My wife says they show up to play and if an audience shows up to watch, that is just all the better.
So I got that going for me.
Today is also the day though that Gov't Mule tix for their 10-26 Riviera Theater show went on sale (already snagged em - thanks)
So to reminisce, here is a clip from their last Chicago appearance. A stirring rendition of Mountain Jam from the outstanding 12-09 show. The transition back into Game Face blew the power to the whole block (just as the clip fades) but thankfully it was restored soon and the show continued.
This is due out soon on DVD as well. Enjoy!! I know I will.
Sweetie, I agree that the Mule show in December was stellar (as usual!). While most people who were there that night will remember the only disappointing moment was the power failure, I am doomed to remember it as "the night I sat in beer..." God, I hope it was beer...
Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not wisdom, Wisdom is not truth, Truth is not beauty, Beauty is not love, Love is not music and Music is THE BEST
