Okay, The Allman Brothers Band...

The Jazz Bus: A 40 Year Affair
On a cold Saturday evening, March 13, 1971to be exact, I travelled to the Fillmore East for just an ordinary time out with a few friends. Having arrived at the lower east side theater a bit later than I expected to, my friends who were patiently waiting for me were nowhere to be found. Having been stranded in order for them to get warm and something to eat before the midnight show, I wondered what to do. The 8pm set had already started so only a few people were standing under the marquee. Quite disappointed that I had missed my friends I lit up my ever present Marlboro wondering planning my next move when I noticed a guy walking about offering a “spare” ticket. I raised my hand and he handed it to me, free of charge. Thanking him, I finished my smoke and since it was bitter outside, I knew I could beat the cold by checking into the warm theatre for some of the early show. The second featured band was already tuning up as I arrived at my “free” seat. The house lights dimmed, and out of the dark came the immortal opening phrase of what became the greatest live rock recording ever made, “Okay, The Allman Brothers Band”…Statesboro Blues was not even thirty seconds in and I was sold. Mesmerized by twin lead guitars, a heavy bass, two drummers, a Hammond B-3 organ, and when the vocals kicked in it started my forty year affair with The Allman Brothers Band.
After the first show, standing outside I could not contain my frenzy telling all who would listen how great they were. My now present and fully fed friends just shrugged my proclamations off their cold shoulders. Excitedly I entered the late show, anticipating seeing “The Brothers “again. The opening band finished a short but decent set, then a “bomb scare” forced us to face the cold again. Outside, smoking a cigarette I notice the hour was getting late, and many, many ticketholders, including members of my party headed out into the night leaving the show behind. Me, I would not be deterred. Finally, comfy in my seat again, the house lights dimmed and “Johnny Winter And” was introduced. I sat in anticipation while my remaining friend enjoyed the band he had come to see. After a very brief set, a voice announced something to the effect of sticking around for The Allman Brothers, who recording live, would make it worth our while. And that they did. Over 4 hours later, with a cold but beautiful sunrise in the Manhattan sky I exited the theatre, I bided farewell to my lone friend who braved with me until the end. He walked north as I walked along Sixth Street toward The Village thinking how great that band was.
So here I am forty years in, almost to the day, March 12, 2011 uptown not downtown, at the Beacon Theater as the house lights dim, and that same (recorded) voice proudly states “Okay, The Allman Brothers Band”, and with some different band members, but the same quality of sound, this Allman Brothers Band recreated their “At Fillmore East” set list. Who said “you can’t go home”? I closed my eyes and did.jazzbus@gmail.com