The Allman Brothers Band Opens Festival 

For anyone who attended the opening act for this year’s On the Waterfront Festival, the Allman Brothers Band demonstrated how they have maintained a strong presence on the road and in the studio for over 35 years.  They perform with a gusto, grit and vitality rivaling the early band’s days.  Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on guitar rival the heights reached by Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, and in some ways may even surpass them.  From the opening song “One Way Out” to the final classic “Whippin’ Post,” the crowd was pleased with their fine performance.

 Warren Haynes Solo 

The band played some new tunes from their superb 2003 album “Hittin’ the Note,” along with Brothers standards like Statesboro Blues and Midnight Rider.  Greg Allman’s voice is as good as ever and the trio of percussionists Jaimoe, Butch Trucks and Marc Quinones lay down a beat no other band can match. Oteil Burbridge’s bass play is clean and crisp sounding. The band tours will tour from March through the end of the year.  Warren, Derek and Oteil also tour with their own bands, and Warren also tours with the Dead as lead guitar.