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The life and legacy of the legendary Gregg Allman is celebrated with Gregg Allman Band – Uncle Sam’s, a full-length concert recording marking the inaugural release from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s personal archives on his posthumous label, Sawrite Records. Recorded July 1, 1983 at Uncle Sam’s in Hull, MA, the full-length concert performance captures the Gregg Allman Band as they launched what proved a chart-topping solo career for Allman. Highlights include majestic renditions of his classic ballad, “Queen of Hearts” (originally found on Allman’s RIAA Gold-certified 1973 solo debut album, Laid Back), “Sweet Feelin’” (from Allman’s Playing Up A Storm album) along with stellar takes on such iconic Allman Brothers Band favorites as “Midnight Rider,” “Dreams,” “Melissa,” and more.
Though his passing in 2017 has left a vast musical space that can never truly be filled, Gregg Allman Band – Uncle Sam’s marks a remarkable valedictory and memorial to a true giant of American music, now and forever. By the summer of 1983, Gregg Allman was 10 years gone from the halcyon heyday of the Allman Brothers Band. Rather than rest upon his laurels, Allman returned to the same basic principles that drove the Allman Brothers Band to their extraordinary success – by playing anywhere, anytime, for anyone who would listen. He built a new group, centered around two former members of the ABB – lead guitarist Danny Toler and his younger brother Frankie on drums – fleshed out with Bruce Waibel on rhythm guitar, bassist Gregg Voorhees, percussionist Chaz Trippy, and a horn section featuring brothers Donn (sax and flute) and Larry Finney (trumpet).
The Gregg Allman Band hit the road hard and heavy in 1983, and despite the austere nature of the tour, Allman was happy, playing his music, his way, without the internal drama and divisions of the mid-70s Allman Brothers Band. “With my band,” he noted, “there’s only one cook in the kitchen.” On July 1, The GAB hit the scenic coastal town of Hull, MA for a sold-out performance at the intimate Uncle Sam’s. The small club held a raucous crowd on that hot summer night, and the Gregg Allman Band gave the fans exactly what they wanted. A haunting acoustic version of “Midnight Rider” sets the tone for the evening, Allman’s earthy vocals accentuated by Toler’s melodic notes and given an unexpected twist with the addition of Donn Finney’s ethereal flute work. The power and the glory of the Gregg Allman Band is showcased throughout, from the long, flowing “Dreams” and up-tempo take on “Trouble No More” to an explosive rendition of “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’” (marked by an epic three-minute solo from Danny Toler) and show-closing version of “Statesboro Blues” which leaves the packed house totally spent and completely satisfied. Gregg Allman Band – Uncle Sam’s now stands as a captivating moment in time affirming Gregg Allman beyond measure as a major solo artist, launching a path that subsequently soared in 1987 with his Mainstream Rock #1 smash hit single, “I’m No Angel.” More importantly, it showcases Allman’s power as a true road warrior, the consummate bluesman traveling from crossroad to crossroad.
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Bob Stevens (9/20/2024 12:23:34 PM)
I was there that night, standing back leaning against the cigarette machine! I remember Gregg's band was cooking and sounding awesome. Great Memories! Uncle Sam's was right across from the Atlantic
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