In honor of Labor Day here in the U.S. (a day of respite in honor of the American labor movement), here is a photo essay/exhibition of the Allman Brothers themselves talking about their approach to music and the life of working musicians.
I’ve got something from each of the original 6, plus quotes from Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, and Red Dog.
Butch Trucks on the ABB
Outside of Duane Allman himself, Butch may have been the Allman Brothers Band’s biggest fan. He was also their iron man, missing only one gig over their entire 45-year career.
“I think we did come up with a unique way of approaching music, and came up with a synthesis of rock & roll, blues, and country, and added an element of jazz to it in such a way that was unique at the time and has been developed and synthesized by other people since.
That’s our contribution, that’s what I’m most proud of: a unique approach to the art of music.”
MORE: The Freight Train: Butch Trucks as a musical visionary
Berry Oakley
Fantastic (and little-circulated) photo of Oakley by Twiggs Lyndon.
“Being on the road can be a depressing proposition for some people, but for us, nothing will ever replace playing for people.
We're just doing what we like best, man—and making a pretty good living at it as well. That's it right there.”
MORE: BERRY OAKLEY: “We have one big guitar and two little ones. All we need now is a bass player!”
Jaimoe on his partnership with Butch
Jaimoe was the first to sign on with Duane. Butch had known Duane for several years and played with him in the 31st of February in September 1968. Their drum partnership anchored the Allman Brothers Band.
“Duane said, ‘This is my old drummer, Butch Trucks. This is my new drummer, Jai Johanny Johanson.’ That’s how we met. About ten minutes after that, Duane left, and Butch and I was in love from that point on. We didn’t know it yet, but it only took us about a day and a half, two days, and we never left each other’s side.
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