Allman Brothers’ Beacon rehearsal
I had the pleasure of sitting in on an Allman Brothers Band Beacon rehearsal in a Manhattan studio Sunday night for several hours. It was a really interesting and they sounded very good. I am sworn to secrecy on what specifically I heard, but it was a mix of things. They were working up some of their own songs they have not played in years, learning some new covers and also rehearsing a few old standbys. They rehearse like every other band: “Let’s take it from the top” … “Let’s try the ending again…” “I think we should wait a bar after the solo before the vocal comes back in…” “Can we try that a wee bit faster?”… “Should we bring it down and up or ride it slowly up, up, up?”
They are sounding very good, and Gregg is very much on top of his game and involved with what’s going on in that room. From the relatively little that I saw, I feel secure in saying that people headed to the Beacon in coming weeks are not going to be disappointed. I’m itching to go myself, but won’t be there until Tuesday, March 5.
I have my own gig Friday night in W. Orange – if anyone seing this is coming to town for the Beacon and not going to to opening night, come on by. Mention this post and I’ll buy you a drink.
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UPDATE: Some followup
My friend Norman Bradford writes, “Lets hear some details, does Warren direct things? How active is Gregg? Does everybody get along? What’s the “vibe”? (Serious or joking around? Etc)”
The basic vibe is loose and seriously interested in getting sh*t done. Gregg was very involved and sounds very strong. Who directs depends a bit on the song. Warren is definitely in the center of a lot, but everything is discussed and different people have different opinions on different songs and sections.
The coolest part is it’s really not that different from every rehearsal any of us have ever been in with our favorite bands, except, of course, everyone’s a lot better.
I’m glad you were able to be there for that Alan and I’m glad the band is just as I expected them to be. I may drive up for the last show and visit with my aunt and cousin but it’s too early to know for sure. I hope our paths intersect again someday Alan. Keep pushin’ the pen. Ciao for now.
Thanks Skoots. I will be in china for the last show so I won’t see you then, but we will definitely cross paths again before too long. I should talk to your aunt. I’ll be in touch.
I’m glad you were able to be there for that Alan and I’m glad the band is just as I expected them to be. I may drive up for the last show and visit with my aunt and cousin but it’s too early to know for sure. I hope our paths intersect again someday Alan. Keep pushin’ the pen. Ciao for now.