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• AllmanBrothersBand.com • Rat-Dog.com • ratdoglive.com • headcount.org
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Musical Maestros in a Maelstrom! A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch Another summer and the legendary Allman Brothers Band and Bob Weir's RatDog have teamed up for a seasonal tour. Both forefathers of jam have a faithful following and the double bill was an anticipated concert, which included a stop at the PNC Arts Center in New Jersey on August 15, 2008.
 Bob Weir captains the good ship RatDog! Despite a stormy forecast and the fact that the venue's parking lot did not open till five, Deadhead nation was out in full force cooking and conversing before show time. The music of The Dead was heard from many cars and people from HeadCount were floating around encouraging folks to register to vote. Bob Weir and RatDog took the stage promptly at seven. "There's a tornado warning tonight so keep your heads low," Bob Weir informed the audience in Holmdel, New Jersey. What happened next was more akin to a monsoon. Within minutes of Weir's weather report the skies opened for a three hour torrential onslaught from the skies that included frequent and frightening lightning strikes in the vicinity of the venue. For the fans enclosed by the Arts Center's amphitheater there was no apparent problem - but for the thousands relegated to lawn seating - the evening became quite a bit more complicated and precarious.
 Kenny Brooks on sax and Mark Karan on lead guitar keep RatDog howling! But, like captains of a ship in a tempest - band leaders Bob Weir and Gregg Allman led their vessels on a steady musical voyage for the next 4 and a half hours. RatDog opened with a jazzy jam that sailed into the classic "Cassidy", which was familiar but fresh with the sassy sax floating to the forefront of the groove. The song floated into "Bird Song" that wavered into weird and whimsical textures and tones for a while. The band picked up the pace for "Dire Wolf", which allowed each player to shine. Mark Karan who was absent last summer tour was back at the lead guitar helm this year adding his own unique spin to the songs. Unlike Steve Kimock who sat in for Karan last year, Mark does not mimic Garcia but approaches the music with aptitude, changing arrangements but staying within the context of the originals. His leads are lush and he is a good guitar player in his own right and an important part of the RatDog crew.
 Robin Sylvester provides a smooth and punchy bottom! "Even So" was slow and sultry meandering through moods and meters that had a jazz feel. The jams remained low key exploring blues, improvisation and rock. Rhythms were robust allowing the music to ebb and flow at a leisurely pace. "Hell in a Bucket" was energized, engaging the crowd who sang and danced along to lively leads and brisk beats that beguiled. "Milestones" featured gushing guitars and rolling rhythms that segued into a short drum solo, some sassy sax work and a pretty piano solo. Bob and the band smoothly sailed their ship through more songs and mellow instrumentals. Towards the end of their two hour set they circled back to "Bird Song" and "Cassidy".
 Bob Weir and Jay Lane on drums share the stage in New Jersey! Unlike the torrential rain around the venue the music of RatDog came at you like a gentle rain with cascading chords structures and various musical stylings. Returning for the encore, the usually quite Weir made a short speech encouraging fans to vote reminding us that the future is yours. "On that note" Weir led the band through an animated version of "US Blues" complete with a stagehand waiving both a traditional American flag and another version with a peace sign - thus, ending the set with Deadhead nation shaking their bones. It took about a half an hour to switch the stage for the Allmans Brothers Band whose set up includes three drum kits for the stern of rhythm (Butch Trucks, Jaimoe & Marc Quinones) that is an essential part of the group's signature sound and style. After a short intro the Allmans went full steam into "Don't Want You No More" propelled by bold bass lines provide by the accomplished Oteil Burbridge. Greg's vocals were smoky, working well in the context of the song. Derek - who recently toured with Eric Clapton only gets better with time - and provided slick, smooth slide work on the opening track and throughout the night. On the same night that American swimmer Michaels Phelps tied Mark Spitz's Olympic record of seven gold medals it was clear that Trucks is a marvel in his own right. Like Phelps - who is acclaimed for his uncanny frame that is perfect for his sport - Derek has the build to make any guitar player green with envy. Long and lanky with lean and lengthy digits - Trucks was built and bred to master the six string and to carry the mantle of the legendary Duane Allman himself - and he is a wonder to watch.
 Warren Haynes is the de facto frontman of this popular version of ABB! The classic "Trouble No More" was hot with gusty guitar riffs from Derek and Warren who seamlessly share lead licks. Haynes also supports Allman on vocals. "Woman Across The River" was colorful and concise with lively lead work from Warren and crisp keys from Gregg. The Allmans' approach to the setlist was to include plenty of classic crowd pleasers that allow for the able Allmans to expansively jam. The current crew was technical and tight allowing the captain to steadily lead them through a sizzling version of "Hot Lanta" a stellar "Midnight Rider" and a riveting "Revival" with drum solos. Closing on the "Revival" high note the band returned with a smoking "Southbound" with guest guitarist Junior Mack.
 Derek Trucks is a gold medal guitarist! Near the end of the show it was time for Oteil to grab the pilot's wheel - stepping up to the mic to take lead vocals on "Anyday". Burbridge's soulful delivery brings an element of R&B onboard and he could be the band's purest singer whose role can only expand as ABB moves forward on their musical journey. In addition to their catalogue the ABB were creative with covers including Van Morrison's "And It Stoned Me" with Haynes handling lead vocals. The song featured rock solid rhythms and exuberant guitar exchanges. "I Ain't Superstitious" featured dynamic drumming and dueling guitars. The current crew of the Allmans is a solid line up allowing Gregg to guide his craft with ease. Like seasoned captains - band leaders Bob Weir and Gregg Allman are still at the bow of the jam band scene - charting their courses with skilled mates who have made their own marks on these legendary outfits.
 Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks are a potent and dynamic guitar duo!
RatDog:
Allman Brothers Band:
 Oteil Burbridge on bass and vocals - ABB's best kept secret weapon?
RATDOG SETLIST:
ABB SETLIST:
 Gregg Allman still captains southern rock's most enduring vehicle of sound!
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