Dreams [Box]

Performer: The Allman Brothers Band
Artist: Steve Miller; Elvin Bishop; Don Johnson
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: DREAMS is a 4-CD box set compiling in chronological order tracks by the Allman Brothers Band, as well as tracks by bands featuring one or more member of the Allman Brothers Band and solo performances by Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Personnel includes: Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts (vocals, guitar); Duane Allman (guitar, dobro, background vocals); Paul Hornsby, Scott Boyer, Elvin Bishop, Tommy Talton, Steve Beckmeier, Rickey Hirsch, John Hug, Dan Toler (guitar); John Hughley (steel guitar); Tom Doucette (harmonica); Steve Madaio, Pat Rizzo, Dave Luell (horns); Steve Miller, Chuck Leavell (piano); Dale Betts, Neil Larson (keyboards); Reese Wynans (organ); Bob Keller, Pete Carr, David Brown, Berry Oakley, Lamar Williams, Willie Weeks, Ken Tibbets, David Goldflies (bass); Maynard Portwood, Johnny Sandlin, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, Bill Stewart, David Warshaw (drums); Maeretha Stewart, Helene Mills, Buck Rambo, Dottie Rambo, Reba Rambo, Don Johnson (background vocals). Producers include: Dallas Smith, Adrian Barber, Tom Dowd, Johnny Sandlin, Allman Brothers Band. Compilation producer: Bill Levenson. Recorded between 1966 & 1988. Includes a 32-page illustrated booklet and liner notes by John Swenson. Like nearly all box sets, DREAMS has plenty to recommend it-and a few nagging drawbacks. The set's chief shortcoming is its two conflicting goals: providing an overview of the Allmans' history, thus attracting buyers seeking the ultimate hits package, and including enough unreleased tracks and rarities to appeal to the band's most devoted fans. As a result, DREAMS is neither the definitive Allman Brothers collection nor the gift to hardcore fans that, say, THE BOOTLEG SERIES is to Dylan-philes. DREAMS' strengths are considerable. First and foremost, the box contains nearly five wall-to-wall hours of great music. By including everything from early demos to Gregg Allman and Dickie Betts' solo material, DREAMS does a great job of tracing the group's musical evolution from hippie blues band to kings of Southern rock. And, while the unreleased studio version of "Statesboro Blues" included here isn't definitive, it's still mighty good-as are the set's other rarities. Start your Allman Brothers collection with THE FILLMORE CONCERTS; if that grabs you, DREAMS should also find a welcome place on your CD shelf.

They're known as the founding fathers of Southern rock, but the Allman Brothers were actually much more progressive than the musical school they inspired. They reclaimed the US-influenced blues-rock of Cream et al. and brought it back to America, adding country and jazz touches. They were noted for their improvisatory skills, particularly the inspired dual-guitar work of Dickey Betts and the late Duane Allman. Even after the deaths of Duane and original bassist Berry Oakey and the departure of Betts, the band soldiered on strongly into the 21st century, led by founding singer/organist Gregg Allman.

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