Where It All Begins - Allman Brothers Band (The)

**Introduction**

I love Music from many genres and also from many decades. I liked the Allman Brothers Band even before I got into Government Mule but as I became a fan of them I looked back on the more recent and maybe lesser known releases from the Allman Brothers Band. I should mention for those that were unaware, Government Mule were founded from Allman Brothers Band when Allman Brothers Band members Warren Haynes, Allen Woody joined forces with Matt Abts and began to record as Government Mule. Warren Haynes became a member of Allman Brothers Band in 1989 and in 1994 the third studio album with Warren Haynes on was released. This was a year before Haynes and Woody started Government Mule during a break from recording with Allman Brothers Band. From 1997 Warren Haynes took a four year break from Gregg's band and was replaced by the nephew of drummer Butch Trucks who is of course Derek Trucks.

**Where it All Begins**

The album was released in May 1994 after being recorded in January of that year at BR Ranch Studios, Jupiter, Florida. The band line up as of then was as follows Gregg Allman - organ, lead vocals
Dickey Betts - lead guitar Warren Haynes - lead guitar, Allen Woody - bass guitar, Jaimoe - drums, percussion, Butch Trucks - drums. Along with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers Band have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the Southern Rock field and for me this is a strong example of why they have been so highly treasured.

1.) All Night Train

This is an excellent opener with some catchy guitar work and a flowing drum and bass hook which brings a catchy feel to the song. There's some excellent guitar work from Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts. The track was written by Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes & Chuck Leavell. Gregg Allman's vocals prove to be in good nick as he showcases power and poise on this excellent track which sets up the album well.

2.) Sailin Cross the devils sea.

This track was written by Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Jack Pearson & Allen Woody. It's another flowing track which has some excellent rolling guitar riffs and Allman's vocals are strong too. The track features some excellent guitar work, especially courtesy of Warren Haynes with some excellent slide solos which give the track a Bluesy feel.

3.) Back where it all begins

This is an excellent track which reminds me a little of The Grateful Dead, There's also a fabulous Lynyrd Skynyrd like duel guitar part to it which comes in after the song builds well. This track is one of few solely written by Dickey Betts and he joins with Warren Haynes to create an excellent guitar sound which really takes the Band to another level. This is a long track at over nine minutes but it's worth listening to in it's entirety for the excellent duel guitar sound.

4.) Soulshine

This may be familiar to some people, It's well known as a Government Mule track but was originally recorded with Allman Brothers Band. This Warren Haynes penned track was featured as a different version on "The Deep End". which is a little longer and in my opinion better but this is still a fine version. This is still a damn fine original though and the guitar work is superb with some fantastic and emotive solos and Allman's vocals are on form too. Great stuff and arguably the best track on the album.

5.) No One to run with

This has a similar feel to a Bo Diddley track as it moves along with a catchy feel. It sounds like an ideal outdoor concert opener and would be at home at Eric Clapton's Famous Crossroads Festival. It's an impressive track which showcases excellent musicianship from all of the band and it's one of the best tracks on the album. Good stuff.

6.) Change my way of living

This is a catchy Southern Rock track which sees Gregg Allman showing a different side to his voice with a vocal performance that sounds different to his usual tone but still good. The track is about trying to change yourself for the better knowing that things won't work out for you if you carry on the way you're going. The guitar work is stellar yet again from both Betts and Haynes. Another very strong track.

7.) Mean woman blues

This is a fantastic track which has a vibrant toe tapping sound with some excellent Robert Johnson influenced Southern Rock Blues. This song really sounds good and is one of the best on the album. It shows the great talent of Warren Haynes in particular and is similar in style to the harder edged Blues Rock from Government Mule.

8.) Everybody's Got A Mountain to Climb

This track demonstrates the Country style in Southern Rock. It's a very good track with some laid back guitar licks and tones and a lovely sing a long chorus which works a treat. The song build well and the guitar work is again very strong as both Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts showcase their musicianship. The breakdowns are key to the effectiveness of this song. Good stuff.

9.) What's done is done

This is another excellent track, It has a lovely flowing bassline from Allen Woody's bass. Gregg Allman's vocals are expressive and the catchy Blues Rock feel builds the track well. There's some excellent organ work from Allman and then Warren Haynes takes over with some great guitar work. This is another one of the top songs on the album.

10.) Temptation is a Gun

This is a Deep Bluesy Rock track that has a great Bass and Drum backing which reminds me a little of Alannah Miles' fantastic "Black Velvet" which is also a song I really like too. Gregg's vocals are emotive and strong and the music builds wonderfully until Warren Haynes just lets loose on the guitar solo which is performed with aplomb. Great track.

**Overall**

This is a very strong album indeed, It showcases the vocal ability of Gregg Allman when he's really on it and the undoubted Guitar class of Warren Haynes and the also very credible Dickey Betts. There are some great tracks on here that are the standouts. These are "Soulshine" & "Temptation is a Gun". but to be honest there isn't one bad track here. This is a must in any Allman Brothers Band fan and indeed any Government Mule fan, That's why I got this album. Great stuff.

Also posted on dooyoo as Lakerfanster