Description
The Allman Brothers Band – The Allman Brothers Band At Fillmore East – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East is a landmark live double album by The Allman Brothers Band, released in July 1971. Recorded at New York City’s Fillmore East venue over three nights in March 1971, this album is often hailed as one of the greatest live albums in rock history and a seminal moment for live recording.
The Allman Brothers Band, founded in 1969, quickly became known for their blend of Southern rock, blues, and jazz-infused improvisations. Their performances at the Fillmore East were part of a series of shows meant to capture the band at their live best, under the guidance of promoter Bill Graham. The album showcases the band’s improvisational skills and virtually defined the genre of Southern rock.
The album features extended renditions of songs like “Whipping Post” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” which have since become iconic for their complex musicianship and dynamic improvisation. The band’s dual lead guitarists, Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, provide interweaving guitar lines that are a hallmark of the band’s sound, while Gregg Allman’s soulful vocals and organ play a central role in grounding the performances.
“Statesboro Blues” opens the album with a spirited slide guitar performance by Duane Allman, setting the tone for an album that is both energetically diverse and technically sophisticated. The 23-minute version of “Whipping Post” is another highlight, showcasing the band’s ability to stretch a blues rock framework into an epic jazz-influenced improvisation.
Reception and Impact
At Fillmore East was a critical and commercial success, solidifying The Allman Brothers Band’s reputation as one of the premier live acts in rock music. Critics praised the album for its vibrant energy and superb musicianship, which captured the essence of the band’s live shows. The album reached number 13 on Billboard’s Top LPs & Tape chart, and in the years since, it has frequently been listed among the best live albums ever recorded.
The album’s influence extends beyond its initial success. It has been credited with setting a new standard for live rock recording. The improvisational style of the band also had a significant impact on the development of other Southern rock and jam bands, inspiring artists who value spontaneous live creativity.
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East not only immortalized the original lineup at their peak but also left a lasting legacy on the rock genre. It continues to be a definitive album for music fans interested in the raw power and emotional depth that can be captured in a live setting. For anyone exploring the evolution of rock and live performance, this album remains a must-listen masterpiece.
Recorded live at The Fillmore East, March 12 & 13, 1971.
Originally released in 1971.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Statesboro Blues
Done Somebody Wrong
Stormy Monday
You Don’t Love Me
Hot ‘Lanta
In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
Whipping Post
