Allman Brothers: Live at the Fillmore: DeLuxe Edition

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * *)



Further evidence that not all double albums were bloated is this from '71. Theirs became a sad story of early, career-crippling deaths (guitarist Duane in late '71, bassist Berry Oakley a year later) and the addiction of guitarist Gregg who was briefly married to Cher in '75.

The following year he testified against his pusher - who had saved his life when he ODed - in return for amnesty.

But at their peak as on Live at the Fillmore they were something to hear. They had their hearts in blues (Stormy Monday was a live staple) but loved to boogie out on lengthy but remarkably disciplined jams. Their Whipping Post here runs a full 23 minutes.

The Deluxe Edition double disc reconstructs a live set from those nights in March '71 by drawing on the original double album and tracks from various Duane/Allman anthologies. Kings of Leon fans might like to hear how it can really be done.

Label: Universal