Butch Trucks

IF YOU WANT TO HEAR AUTHENTIC ALLMAN BROTHERS SOUTHERN BOOGIE, YOU MUST SEE THIS GROUP. ..WITHE THE BAND DISNANDED, THIS IS THE CLOSEST You can get to hearing the real true ABB sound.

What a great night of music. Man, was it thrilling to hear "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" with this group. I had not seen Berry or Vaylor before. So glad I had this opportunity. What unique and fine playing. If you get the chance, go and see them. I sure would again.

Even as a veteran of close to a hundred ABB shows going back to 1974 and ending with the final Beacon show in October 2014, I was not sure what to expect. I had never seen Butch as a solo drummer, only as part of the ABB percussion juggernaut. I had seen Bruce Katz play once and extraordinarily well when he sat in for Gregg Allman at the March Beacon closer a couple of years back. I had seen Berry Oakley, Jr. come out on stage with ABB a few times over the years. I had no clue who was going to play guitar. Performance wise I was hoping for the best, but like I said I had no idea what to expect. I should have expected to be blown away. And that I was. First, I had no idea that Butch had a son who was a guitar player. Vaylor Trucks played without a pick and with the same superb virtuosity as his famous cousin Derek. But Vaylor's moves and soulfulness were all Warren Haynes. I simply did not think it was possible to execute a flawless rendition of Jessica with a single guitar but Vaylor, the little boy in the picture on the cover of Brothers and Sisters, pulled it off. As one might expect, there were more than a few nods to the ABB canon: Hot 'Lanta (the opener), Jessica, Dreams, In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (the closer) and Must Have Done Somebody Wrong (the encore). But there were other marvelous tunes from the general canon of rock and blues: I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town, Freedom Rider, Help Me., Politician, Sweet Little Angel and Ain't No Sunshine. The music flowed in the wonderful way that music does when the stage is packed with virtuoso musicians whose communication is telepathic. I would like to say a word about the guests. There were two: Heather Gillis, guitar and vocals on Ain't No Sunshine, and Laura Schwartz, guitar on In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed. Heather is a fine guitar player. Her voice is deep and smoky and nuanced. She took that fine old Bill Withers tune and effortlessly made it her own. Watch out for her. Butch must just have finished up his Roots Rock Revival camp in the Catskills. I got the feeling that Roots Rock Revival is a labor of love for him. It was only after I got home that it finally dawned on me that Laura Schwartz must have been one of his students. For my money, the two ABB songs that reside on top of the mountain are Whipping Post and In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed. So imagine what an act of faith is was for Butch to let young Laura play on Elizabeth Reed. Laura acquitted herself marvelously. I hope that Butch puts a more permanent touring band together and hits the road. You could tell he was just loving being back on stage with the next generation. Butch, thank you for an unforgettable night.

All I knew was Butch Trucks was an original Allman Brother. Had no idea what he would play, not even what style of music. Wow I was blown away. Just great music and his son is terrific, as were they all. I hope they will grow the audience they deserve.

The band sounded great, especially when they played any songs by the Allman Brothers, but then again what would you expect. I highly recommend seeing them if they're in your area. I would go again in a heart beat. Exciting and a great selection of songs.

Butch Trucks a powerhouse drummer and the band excellent! I was blown away by Berry Oakley Jr. on bass, I had wanted to see him play and so glad I got the chance..Vaylor was hittin' the note and Bruce Katz on fire. Fantastic show and would highly recommend you catch this band. Great night!

Great time watching such talented people! The connection they have was really apparent and ultimately makes for great music! Go see them a real treat!!!