Gregg Allman .......I cannot believe it has been 5 years.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz Government Mule 

Good morning Audiogoners …...johndel1960 then you get it ! Sure everyone knows he had is demons, but on stage there were times it was just magic. It is too bad that sometimes those demons are how people remember some of these artists. I tis too bad as I also followed the Grateful Dead around since the seventies until Jerry died. What a shame as he too was such a talented artist who gave me at least years of musical fun and pleasure but I try not to think of his demons. I could tell as I saw them both enough that when Jerry was '' using '' and Gregg was drunk and to be honest, got ticked off as they really weren't there. It is what it is …...but Gregg was one of those for me who could really sing '' those blues '' …...dam I miss it live ! Stay well all..... **** also - music _is _ life …...not sure what ; " Bzzzzzzzzz Government Mule '' means. I have see them but not sure what it means to my post. Thanks though …..

Is it me? I admit that Southern Rock, and Rock in general, has not been my preferred genre for many years; and I’m certainly no guitar-God connoisseur. However, I grew up with and loved ABB and have always followed their players and the genre kinda peripherally. I’ll probably always have a soft spot for the music. Having said all that, while I recognize what a fine player Derek Trucks is, I’m always left a bit cold by his playing. The guy has obviously listened to Jazz players and in some ways is more stylistically “interesting” than other Rock players; his phrasing in particular seems to be informed by that of Jazz players. However, there is a coolness and detachment in his playing that always leaves me wanting more; wanting a little more fire and grit. It’s like I want to like him more than I actually do.

Thoughts?

Saw Gregg a number of times post AM. always very nice shows. I love nearly all genres and eras of music,its likely majority of music I listen to is from artists no longer with us. I know about the life tragedies of many of these artists, may bring about greater insight into lyrics, which can sometimes have emotional effect upon me. Still, in the end, death is necessary to life, the artist leaves a living legacy in their music, and we can experience at least a part of that life on audio systems that present them as flesh and blood performers.

“I’m no angel” and “Just before the bullet fly”  are the 2 most endearing albums (CD’s) in my collection.  I cruised many nights listening to both of those and also played along to them on my B3. 

What a great era of talent that we grew up with….