BLUES N'AT

Mrs. Black-N-Gold is feeling blue. Recently, Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, guitarists-extraordinaire for the iconic Allman Brothers Band, announced they would be leaving the band at the end 2014. They are eager to pursue other projects with their own bands, Gov't Mule and Tedeschi Trucks Band, as well as re-charge their batteries after so many years on the road with ABB. Following that announcement, Gregg Allman declared that this, the 45th year of the Allman Brothers Band, would be the last. Gregg is also anxious to explore other musical avenues with his solo band. 45 years? It's hard to believe that it's been 45 years since Gregg, his late brother Duane, Dickey Betts, the late Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe (Johanny Johanson at the time) joined forces to bring fans their mastery mix of blues, jazz, and fusion to form what would later be called "southern rock". Even after suffering the loss of leader Duane and later, Berry Oakley, the Brothers forged ahead. Through the years they would record and tour in different incarnations, sometimes breaking up and reuniting in between. They enjoyed a revival in recent years thanks to jam band followers. The crowd always enjoyed the sweet tones of the pairing of Haynes and Trucks when they came on board. ABB enraptured audiences the world over, sometimes joining together with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Band and The Grateful Dead, to name a few. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Rolling Stone magazine named them #52 of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. They also listed "At Fillmore East" at #49 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Unfortunately, time is running out on this American treasure. You'll still be able to catch the various members in one form or another but this will be your last opportunity to see the Allman Brothers Band in all their glory. I'm sure they'll be breaking out classics such as "Whipping Post", "Midnight Rider" and "Mountain Jam" as well as a surprise or two. Catch them while you can before they're just a fabulous memory.  Unfortunately, the road doesn't always go on forever. Until next time, boys and girls. Keep It Bluesy!