Allman Joy

Okay, the title has more cheese than my husband's homemade mac & cheese, but I am being serious--seeing Gregg Allman perform is pure joy and this past Wednesday at Koka Booth Amphitheatre was no exception. Out on the road to support his "Low Country Blues" solo album, Gregg was positively flawless in this show. I've seen the Allman Brothers Band seven times (the last 6 being from 2004-2009 in Raleigh) and have witnessed some amazing vocal performances from Mr. Allman, but this show was different. I don't know if it was the lovely and somewhat intimate setting or if it was the new found vim and vigor from his liver transplant, but I still have goosebumps from listening to his clear, strong, bluesy voice. He began the concert with one of my fave ABB songs, "Don't Keep Me Wonderin" and then followed it up with the cocky swagger of his solo hit "I'm No Angel". After covering some Bob Dylan, he got into the meat and potatoes of his new album with some smokin' hot blues. A definite highlight of this part of the set was having his band member and one of his oldest friends from growing up in Daytona Beach, bluesman Floyd Miles come to the mike to belt out B.B. King's "Crying Won't Help You Now". And, as I has hoped, Gregg completed this fabulous show by playing two of ABB's best-loved songs, "Melissa" and "Statesboro Blues." You still got "it", Gregg and all of your fans thank you. Oh, and Mr. Allman, you can show me your tattoo anytime...

Until next time, keep it on "11"...