Live Review: Alan Paul’s Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Transformative Album That Defined the ’70s, End of the Line: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers Band with friends Tommy Talton, Tinsley Ellis, and Vaylor Trucks at City Winery in Atlanta, 7/28/23

For Alan Paul, The Allman Brothers Band may just be the greatest musical group of all time. His two books on the Allmans underscore his knowledge and love for the band. The new release, Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Transformative Album That Defined the ’70s, has been released to rave reviews. The book tour coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the Brothers and Sisters (Capricorn Records) release next month. His first book on the ABB was One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band, which became a New York Times bestseller. Paul himself is a musician and holds an appreciation, as do many, of the ABB.

The night began with the author chatting with the audience about his book, giving insight into his research, and especially offering his gratitude to Kirk West for providing hundreds of hours of Allman interview tapes. West was the band’s photographer and archivist, also known as their “tour mystic.” These tapes gave Paul exclusive access to the rare moments that made up the band’s early career. Regarding the book’s subtitle, “…And The Inside Story of the Transformative Album That Defined the ’70s,” the author felt compelled to defend this declaration. He went on to explain how the Brothers were in step with both Lynyrd Skynyrd from the South and The Grateful Dead of the West. No other band from that era created such a cross-cultural identity, and a successful one at that. The Allman Brothers’ sound resonated with a nation working through and healing from the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and a country in crisis.

After the author’s talk, the End of the Line band took to the stage. The band pays tribute and homage to the ABB, and they are one of the best around. Paul personally booked the seven-piece for this occasion and for those of us who got to see the originals, these guys did the music justice. The 14-song musical portion of the evening was christened with the classic “Statesboro Blues,” followed by some of the best from the Allman Brothers Band, all played with virtuosity and vigor. Singer Justin Smith’s vocals were reminiscent of Gregg Allman, as he played away on the organ. The band (with three drummers, of course) were in fine style and fired up the crowd throughout their set.

On “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin'” and “Dreams,” the legendary Tommy Talton stepped in with some of Southern Rock’s best guitar. Talton was close with Gregg, Duane, and the whole crew. He and Cowboy partner Scott Boyer recorded and toured with Gregg on his solo debut album Laid Back. Both musicians played guitar and provided backing harmonies on the album, and were said to be a large influence on its sound.

Next up was the instrumental “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” featuring Vaylor Trucks (son of the late Butch, co-founder and drummer for the ABB) on guitar. He played like a man possessed, pushing the bluesy, jazz-fusiony song as far as it would go (and then kept going). Coincidentally, that’s a young Vaylor on the Allman’s Brothers and Sisters cover from ’73. You can hear the music and catch his band The Yeti Trio live, if you’re lucky.

Famed Blues rock guitarist Tinsley Ellis joined End of the Line on “One Way Out,” providing more heart to this already wonderful night. Through it all, the End of the Line members seemed to be in awe of the visiting guitarists, soaking them with love and respect. Even Paul played with the band through several tunes on his acoustic guitar.

For even more information on where to buy Paul’s book, visit his website.