The Devon Allman Project along with Duane Betts is continuing the Allman legacy on their world tour, including tonight in Bristol.
Devon, son of the late Greg Allman, has been a friend of Duane who is son of founding member of The Allman Brothers Dickey Betts since childhood, so it seems fitting that they are sharing the stage to create their own Southern magic.
Looking like the image of his father, Duane is giving a real taste of what a live Allman Brothers show is like, bringing a younger twist for a new audience. There is no showiness, he’s practically static from the waist up, but the spectacle is all about the guitar. Probably being used to laid-back county folk, the UK crowd seems to suit the bill, lapping up every pedal effect he plays. Along with the soft backdrop of the Hammond organ from Nicholas David, who by the way, looks every bit the coolest cat in the room in full kimono, scarf, shades and hat garb.
Devon is up next and he is bringing the swagger. He has a vocal so versatile that it would suit any genre, highlighted by the cover of ‘I’ll Be Around’ by The Spinners, pleasing the nostalgia-hungry crowd. The placid looking bassist Justin Corgan springs to life as he’s introduced as the ‘bass in your face’ giving funk the forefront for a long solo. They also give outing to ‘I Left My Heart In Memphis’ from Devon’s other outfit Royal Southern Brotherhood.
Duane is back to share the stage for the last section of the set, harmonising guitars in a beautiful tribute to their legacy. Blue Sky, written by Dickey Betts, is a stunning highlight, along with other Allman classic Melissa.
Held together perfectly by the six-piece band, including Duane’s go-to Guitarist Johnny Stachela, they finish with a cover of Boys of Summer. Perhaps another Allan classic cover would have been more emotive, but the title of this song certainly fits the bill.
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