Greg Allman

Low Country Blues

Rounder – Release date January 18, 2011

The album notes say that “… a river runs through the blues and Gregg Allman continues to navigate it. This album deposits Gregg Allman at a fresh place on the bank.” ‘Low Country Blues’ is Gregg Allman’s first solo album in 14 years and it’s been a pleasure to listen to it. I wondered initially why he would do an album of blues classics but after listening I’m glad he did. He covers a list including Skip James, Muddy Waters, BB King, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Sleepy John Estes and one original with Warren Haynes. Doyle Bramhall & Mac Rebbenack are also on the CD with a sterling band of supporting musicians.
Like the river, the CD is dark and deep and runs slowly with a big thumpy modern sound that gives the music vitality and continuity as the genres change. Gregg’s voice is strong and wears the secrets of the hurts that over 60 years of restless living has added. His voice is also part of my river. From “Trouble No More” crackling late at night on an AM radio to “Floating Bridge” from a computer hard drive today, the river of Gregg Allman’s voice continues. It’s good to hear it.