At Fillmore East is an iconic live album from one of the most iconic southern rock jam bands of all time. Recorded over the course of the three nights at the iconic Fillmore East in New York City, this was the album that put The Allman Brothers Band on the map in the United States and rapidly expanded their reach into the mainstream. It was effectively the album that inspired a generation of jam bands that followed their footsteps.
What makes The Allman Brothers Band and At Fillmore East such a milestone album can be found in three vectors. The first is the incredible tightness of the band. The album runs 78 minutes long, and throughout it all, the band’s performance never drags in a single section. Chalk it up to their insane tour schedule– the band had played over 300 live shows in the year prior to this recording– and the overwhelming mastery of their instruments the six-piece famously possessed. The second thing that draws you in is the guitar playing of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, whether it be Duane’s nasty slide guitar or Betts’ incredible note choices. There simply isn’t anything that screams The Allman Brothers Band more than dual harmonized lead parts, and they can be found in every inch of this record. The guitarmony here is impeccable. And finally, it’s the fact that The Allman Brothers Band actually employed two drummers during their live shows and in the studio. Jon “Jaimoe” Johnson and Butch Trucks match each other beat for beat on this entire album, filling the room with percussion that makes everything sound so damn full. To execute with such perfection in an extended live show is frankly a little absurd.
There’s so much about this album to love, a rare 78-minute live album that’s worth every second of your time– the smooth poise of bassist Berry Oakley, the thumping pitter patter of snare drums that kick off “Statesboro Blues” while Duane’s slide guitar rips in, the moody slow jam of “Stormy Monday” with Duane and Betts’ trading solos while lead singer Greg Allman busts out a soulful croon, the extended guitar solo of “You Don’t Love Me” that leads into a dual guitar harmony that stops you dead in your tracks. It’s just all of it.
Tragically, lead guitarist Duane Allman would die in a motorcycle accident a mere five months after the release of this album, and while the band would continue on to great commercial success throughout the 70’s, this album would forever mark the final Allman Brothers record with Duane behind the six-string.
His guitar playing has inspired generations of guitarists in the years following, including myself. It’s a shame to have lost him so soon.
Standout Songs: “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”, “Statesboro Blues”
Ed. Note: My dad wanted to chronicle a bit of color from his perspective about this album and its impact. His thoughts on At Fillmore East can be found below:
Top 10 favorite of mine. At Fillmore East is iconic in the classic rock era. The Allman Brothers Band was instrumental and played a part in financing for Jimmy Carter when he announced his running for President in 1974 (election 1976) when he was mostly an unknown to the American public while Governor of Georgia.
– My Dad, via text
