Duane Allman packed a lot of living into his twenty-four years. Before becoming the inspirational leader of The Allman Brothers Band, Duane was one of the most sought after studio guitarists, playing with such legends as Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Wilson Pickett and King Curtis. Duane was unable to read or write music, but he was blessed with perfect pitch. He taught himself to play the slide guitar by dumping the aspirin out of a bottle of Coricidin and using the empty bottle as a slide. The only song in ABB catalog written by Duane is the beautiful instrumental, “Little Martha”. All Duane ever wanted to do was jam, and jam he did.
Durand Jones & The Indications – Is It Any Wonder?
Joscho Stephan is one of my favorite Gypsy Jazz guitarists, he plays with some great back up players in this video too!
Derek and the Dominos would be how I would come to know Duane Allman but I think he only played on a few songs. Clapton’s boxset was one of the 1st ones I remember buying and had all kind of great unreleased D&D stuff. This Howlin’ Wolf tune became a fixture on all my mixed tapes and discs that would follow. It still plays on my thumb drive in my car today.
Ladies and Gentlemen. Please Welcome, God…
For a few glorious nights, DUAN is UTSBUAN:
https://unnamedtemporarysportsblog.com/unnamed-temporary-sports-blog-up-all-night-the-boys-are-back-in-town
Such a pretty little tune. Here’s Duane and the band closing the Fillmore East a few months before his death.
One Way Out – The Allman Brothers Band
‘Cause there’s a man down there, might be your man, I don’t know…
Can never listen to Jonee’s ABB post without that great line getting stuck in my head!
With Boz Scaggs. Over 10 minutes of Loan me a dime.
Trout – Beguiled
Duane was one of my first guitar heroes and I can’t believe no one has thrown out Statesboro Blues from Fillmore East as one of the best pieces of slide work ever recorded. But in the interest of Southern Rock diversity, here is a blistering live version of one of my favorite Blackfoot songs:
Delaney and Bonnie with Duane Allman- Come on In My Kitchen
Rodrigo y Gabriela — Mettavolution