The Allman Brothers Band - Peakin' At The Beacon (Epic / 550)

Well after 30 years the ABB dispensed with Dickey Betts due to 'problems' with his performances, documented here. Mind you, that didn't stop them culling another live album from the tapes.

Obviously the power struggle finally swung Greggs way one final time, and the first thing you notice is that post instrumental opening, you get no less than seven Gregg tracks in a row, before signing off with just two Dickey tracks.

However what really grates is that in the Dickey Betts / Derek Trucks combination, the ABB had hit paydirt. Guitar leads intertwine, melodies soar, and there's real passion for the music. Lucky for the ABB that Warren Haynes was free to take Dickeys role after the tragic passing of Allen Woody. Because, if anything, it's Gregg who's toiling.

Don't get me wrong. Gruntin' Gregg is the greatest white soul singer ever. Just one listen to "It's Not My Croiss To Bear", and you can fell every ounce of pain that Greggs experienced. But my excitement at seeing "Black Hearted Woman" on the track listing was tempered by a lacklustre vocal. Only the sheer instrumental magnificience of the ABB in full flight pulled things back from the brink. Things end on a high, with what may be a particularly poignant "High Falls".

Sans Dickey Betts, it's the Gregg Allman Band, no matter what the posters say. Think of the brotherhood. Dikcey needs it now like never before. A good album, but with a bitter after taste. You may want to buy the Frogwings instead.