THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND : STORMY MONDAY

  1. Statesboro Blues
  2. Trouble No More
  3. Don't Keep Me Wondering
  4. Did Something Wrong
  5. One Way Out
  6. (In Memory Of) Elizabeth Reed
  7. Stormy Monday
  8. You Don't Love Me
  9. Soul Serenade
  10. Hot 'Lanta

Label : WatchTower

Time : 73:40

Venue : A&R Studios, New York City, New York, USA

Date : August 26, 1971

Quality : FM recording (A+)

Review (The Music Blogging Hive Mind) : Broadcast live on WPLJ-FM, NY. One of the better sounding '71 Allman Brothers Band shows. They had recorded their seminal live album, At Fillmore East, in March 1971, and continued to tour relentlessly. In July, At Fillmore East was released to critical acclaim. It was back on the road again to promote that album. One important stop was at New York's A&R Studios. The show was broadcast live on FM. This show was broadcast two weeks after the death of King Curtis. This article from Hittin' The Note by Tim Hoover details Curtis' influence on Duane Allman. During the broadcast, Duane pauses to reflect on his fallen friend: "About King Curtis - that was one of the finest cats there ever was. He was just right on top of getting next to young people, you know? It's a shame. If y'all get the chance, listen to that album he made out at Fillmore West. Boy, it's incredible, it's unbelievable, the power and the emotional stature the man had. He's an incredible human being. "At the funeral, boy, Aretha sang and Stevie Wonder played. they played 'Soul Serenade.' Duane breaks off into the melody of Curtis' signature song, and a few in the audience respond with polite applause of recognition. "Y'all probably a little bit young. It's fantastic. We'll do some of that. yeah, I know where we'll do it." Duane and the band jump into the intro for 'You Don't Love Me.' A little over eight minutes into the song, Duane slows the band, reaching an achingly slow transitional phase, gradually leading everyone into his own version of 'Soul Serenade'. When Duane plays the melody of the song again, the audience immediately begins clapping along to the sweet melodic tune. Suddenly, Duane jumps in and absolutely cuts the melody to shreds with one of the most moving, heart-felt solos you will ever hear, taking it right up into the stratosphere. Mirroring his words for Curtis, the 'power and emotional stature' of Duane's own very personal and passionate eulogy for his lost friend is delivered as only he can do it - powerfully, lovingly, and gracefully. Tragically, the Allman Brothers Band lost their founder and leader when Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle crash in Macon on October 29, just two months after this show.