A new series of archival Gregg Allman releases is being launched by the legendary Southern rocker’s posthumous label, Sawrite Records. The inaugural release from the series features a recording of a July 1, 1983, performance by the Gregg Allman Band at a small club called Uncle Sam’s club in Hull, Massachusetts.
The Uncle Sam’s album is due out on September 20. The nine-song set featured mostly tunes by or associated with the Allman Brothers Band. These included renditions of “Midnight Rider,” “Dreams,” “Hot ’Lanta,” “Melissa,” and the blues covers “Trouble No More” and “Statesboro Blues.” The show also boasted performances of two songs from Allman’s early solo albums—“Queen of Hearts” and “Sweet Feelin’.”
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“Queen of Hearts” is an Allman original that appeared on his 1973 solo debut, Laid Back. “Sweet Feelin’” is a cover of a 1970 song by soul singer Candi Staton that Gregg recorded for his second solo effort, Playin’ Up a Storm.
About the Gregg Allman Band Lineup
At the time of the Uncle Sam’s concert, the Allman Brothers Band had broken up the previous year, albeit temporarily. Gregg Allman had proceeded to hit the road in 1983 after assembling a new backing group. The outfit included two siblings who were part of then-most recent Allman Brothers lineup—lead guitarist Dan Toler and drummer Frankie Toler.
Rounding out the Gregg Allman Band were rhythm guitarist Bruce Waibel, bassist Gregg Voorhees, percussionist Chaz Trippy, and a horn section featuring Donn Finney on sax and flute and his brother Larry Finney on trumpet.
Advance Track
The group’s version of “Midnight Rider” from the show has been released as an advanced digital track from the album. The raucous crowd can be heard singing along with Allman and company during the acoustic-driven performance, which also showcases Dan Toler fluid riffs and Donn Finney’s melodic flute lines.
At the end of the song, Allman addresses the cheering crowd, saying, “Oh yeah, we’re gonna get down! Uncle Sam’s, look out! … We got plenty of time, ain’t nobody gonna bother you!”
More About the Uncle Sam’s Album
The Uncle Sam’s live album is available for pre-order now as a digital download and via streaming services.
Uncle Sam’s Track List:
- “Midnight Rider”
- “Dreams”
- “Sweet Feelin’”
- “Hot ’Lanta”
- “Queen of Hearts”
- “Trouble No More”
- “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’”
- “Melissa”
- “Statesboro Blues”