Complete Package Allman Brothers Band Adds Jazz, Visuals To Make Live Show Even Stronger

The Allman Brothers Band is said to be uncomfortable with the term “Southern rock.” It’s hard to imagine why. They practically invented it.

This was the first band to deliver all of the things we have come to know as Southern rock: twin guitar leads, gritty slide solos, long bluesy jams and Southern-accented vocals.

They should be proud of it, because this genre is as pure as rock ‘n’ roll gets. Its roots are firmly in blues and country, the two kinds of music that came together to form rock ‘n’ roll.

However, as the band has matured, Southern rock is no longer sufficient to describe their music. For one thing, they have added a third distinctly American musical influence: a touch of jazz in their jams.

So Allman Brothers fans know exactly what to expect when this band takes the stage at The Gorge on Saturday. They’ll hear the best of America’s roots music, combined into one seamless whole.

And this year, they’ll even have visuals. Rolling Stone magazine says that the Allman Brothers have added a special treat to its tour this summer: a backdrop of ‘60s psychedelic visuals.

Can anybody say “Fillmore East”?

Yes, those who remember the old Allman Brothers should be happy. They might even play a few blues jams from those heady days at the Fillmore - would “Statesboro Blues” be too much to ask? - as well as their familiar classic rock hits, such as “Ramblin’ Man” and “Melissa.” Expect a lot of their impressive later material, too.

For a band that is now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they sure had a hard time getting noticed at the beginning of their career.

Duane and Gregg Allman began in the mid-‘60s as the Allman Joys in Florida, then became the Almanac, then the Hour Glass. They recorded some records, but nobody bought. Duane began to make a living as a session man, playing for soul legends such as Wilson Picket, King Curtis and Aretha Franklin.

Finally, in 1970, the Allman Brothers Band was formed and started getting some recognition. However, it wasn’t until their live album “At Fillmore East” was recorded in 1971 that the band took off. It also didn’t hurt that Duane was featured with Eric Clapton on Derek and the Dominos’ “Layla.”

The euphoria didn’t last long, however, because just months later, in October of 1971, Duane died in a motorcycle crash.

The band, led by Gregg Allman and Dickie Betts, regrouped and went on to have major commercial success with the albums “Eat a Peach” (1972) and “Brothers and Sisters” (1973).

The band broke up and regrouped several times in the next 15 years. Finally, Betts and Allman got back together for good in 1989 and embarked on a series of well-received reunion tours. In 1991, Rolling Stone magazine’s readers gave them the Comeback of the Year Award.

Ever since, they have been a staple of the touring circuit. Their top-notch musicianship and their purist blues-based style has weathered exceptionally well in the ‘90s. In fact, a case could easily be made that they helped blaze the trail for today’s jam-rock bands such as Blues Traveler and Phish.

They headlined the H.O.R.D.E. Tour in 1994 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. Then, in the it’s-about-time category, they won a Grammy in 1996 for Best Instrumental Rock Performance for their brilliant guitar instrumental, “Jessica.”

The present configuration of the band includes four original members: Gregg Allman on vocals, Dickie Betts on guitar, and Jaimoe Johanson and Butch Trucks on drums. In addition, Jack Pearson has been added on guitar, Oteil Burbridge on bass and Marc Quinones on percussion.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: The Allman Brothers Band will perform at The Gorge, Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $43.05 and $32.55, available through Ticketmaster. Call (509) 928-4700 for locations or (206) 628-0888 to purchase by phone.