In yet another concert showcasing a band I should have seen long ago, I finally paid an exorbitant amount of money for good seats at last night’s Allman Brothers Band show. I’m a huge Derek Trucks fan and have enjoyed a lot of Warren Haynes’ work as well.

On the plus side, the seats were as good as advertised and Derek tore it up, notably trading licks with Warren on “Soulshine”, and completely owning “Mountain Jam” and “Blue Sky”. It was nice to see Derek be aggressive; at times, he even went as far as to grab the spotlight, pointing at himself to indicate he would take a solo. He has a much more laid back style with his own groups, so this was a nice treat. If he ever fully realizes the extent of his talent, the world had better watch out.

On the minus side, the seats were cramped. Who knew that the Orpheum was designed around people who are 5’2″ or shorter? Also, the sound guy was doing a lousy job. For the better part of the first set, Derek and Gregg were difficult to hear, while Warren and Oteil were coming in clearly. Presumably, they were using a stereo mix, as the former pair were on the left and the latter on the right. However, the three-headed drumming monster tended to drown out most of the other music. I am definitely frustrated that one of the most expensive concerts of my life had lousy sound.

Back on the plus side, the band sells their concert recordings online, even offering previews before purchase. I listened, and the recording sounds far superior to the actual experience. On the minus side, it’s $15 per recording! What’s that, you want lossless? That’ll be a $3 surcharge. I’m extremely disappointed by those prices. They’re certainly not in line with actual costs and the capital equipment has long since been paid for.

I’ve had better experiences, but the continued musical maturation of Derek Trucks is always a joy to witness. As the heir apparent to Duane’s throne, I’d love it if Derek were to spend a year tearing through the musical world, playing in any studio session he can, while playing as a special guest at concerts much like Warren does.

Oh yeah, the post title. The second set consisted of Eat a Peach in its entirety!

Set 1
Revival
Sailin’ ‘Cross The Devil’s Sea
Soulshine
Hoochie Coochie Man
Egypt
Who’s Been Talking
No One To Run With

Set 2
Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More
Les Brers In A Minor
Melissa
Mountain Jam
One Way Out
Trouble No More
Stand Back
Blue Sky

Encore
Little Martha
Statesboro Blues