Review: Gregg Allman ‘Great as Ever: Live in Philadelphia ‘86’
By Hal Horowitz
The third in an ongoing series of posthumously released Gregg Allman Band live concerts, isn’t substantially different from last year’s, ‘One Night in D.C.:May 15, 1984’ set.
On ‘Great as Ever:Live in Philadelphia ‘86’,’ available April 10, his five-piece featuring the underrated Dan Toler on guitar, remains the same, save for a different bassist. And six songs out of twelve are repeated, played in similar arrangements. However, dozens of gigs over that two-year span tightened an already solid outfit making these interpretations slightly, but noticeably, sturdier and more confident.
As in that show, Allman had recorded only two solo discs. So he reached back to cherry pick Allman Brothers Band material, which many in the audience came to hear. Of that, the opening “Don’t Want You No More,” and “Not My Cross to Bear” (not coincidentally the first titles from the ABB’s 1969 debut) are the only Brothers’ inclusions unique from the earlier recording.
Some rarities are added, especially “Things You Used to Do,” one of the better, most spirited and bluesiest selections from the disappointing ‘Brothers of the Road,’ the final ABB collection before they disbanded (the second time) sending Allman on a solo career.
He grinds out robust slow blues on “Need Your Love So Bad,” stylistically substituting for the overexposed “Stormy Monday.” It’s just a minute longer than D.C.’s version as Toler, a veteran of Allman’s band, rips a searing solo even more scorching than the previous one.
But the appearance of “Queen of Hearts,” arguably the finest song Allman has penned, is this show’s zenith. At nearly eight minutes, it’s two minutes longer than ‘Laid Back’’s original. Although also played on 1974s ‘The Gregg Allman Tour,’ enhanced by the 21-piece orchestra, this stripped-down staging is riveting. The ballad’s intensity is slightly marred by an overly vocal audience that doesn’t settle down until it’s half over. Yet Allman’s velvety rumble is heartfelt, grounded and personal. When the tempo speeds to a jazz shuffle, pianist Tim Heding displays his chops, bringing almost classical style and phrasing, further enhancing this stunning performance. Toler’s lithe fingering is another high point on the disc’s longest, most impressive moment.
A touching “Melissa” is introduced with “This one’s for Dickey Betts…wherever he is,” a dig of sorts to his old band mate. Toler’s nimble, precise and speedy six-string acoustic solo is stunning (the crowd reacts appropriately), and Allman, who has played this tune hundreds of times, sounds tapped-in and focused.
We get a reading of “Just Ain’t Easy,” a seldom heard ballad about the dismal life of a prostitute from the underappreciated ‘Enlightened Rogues’ (1978). It’s another deep track exclusive to this disc;one that deserved to have been a bigger hit. Allman puts his soul into it, groaning “When you leave there, you’ve got your hat down on your face…well, well” revving up intensity missing from the studio recording.
The closing “I’m No Angel,” unreleased at the time, seems perfunctory, even hesitant, and fades out; no “goodnight” or “thanks for coming,” after it ends. And since this gig barely breaks an hour, surely there was more music that night.
‘Great as Ever…,’ with its lack of overdubs or sweetening, is an enjoyably unvarnished example of The Gregg Allman Band’s talents as they became an even tighter, more focused unit. The repetition won’t bother longtime fans as previously unavailable performances excavate and revisit worthy obscurities with the verve and integrity he always demonstrated.
Listen to “Don’t Want You No More” HERE
Pre-order/save the album HERE