Gregg Allman Band – Uncle Sam’s (Relix-Exclusive 2-LP Orange Marble Vinyl)
Gregg Allman Band – Uncle Sam’s (Hull, MA – July 1, 1983)
Relix Exclusive Orange Marble Variant – Limited Edition of 250
In 1983, Gregg Allman was forging ahead with a new vision. Following the breakup of the Allman Brothers Band, he teamed up with guitarist Dan Toler for a stripped-down acoustic tour that delivered raw, emotional takes on Southern soul and blues standards, solo cuts, and ABB classics. This rare live recording captures that moment with an intimate performance at Uncle Sam’s in Hull, Massachusetts on July 1, 1983.
With Allman and Toler seated on stools and flanked by candles, this set offers a soulful, unfiltered view of Allman’s voice and vision in transition. The chemistry is palpable as the duo weaves through “Come and Go Blues,” “Melissa,” and “Midnight Rider,” offering a deep dive into Allman’s spiritual and musical resilience.
Pressed on orange marble vinyl and limited to just 250 copies, this Relix-exclusive edition includes newly mixed audio and features liner notes detailing the historical significance of the recording.
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Track Listing:
Side A:
Midnight Rider
Dreams
Side B:
Sweet Feelin'
Hot 'Lanta
Side C:
Queen of Hearts
Trouble No More
Don't Keep Me Wonderin'
Side D:
Melissa
Statesboro Blues
By the summer of 1983, Gregg Allman was ten years gone from the heyday of the Allman Brothers Band. The fame and fortune of At Fillmore East, Eat a Peach and Brothers and Sisters was receding, gigs were far and away, and the classic blues/rock sound of the ABB had become dated. So, to keep the mojo, Gregg found himself back at square one; he was playing music for the sake of playing it—opening for clubs, not stadiums. Playing for 200 people, not 20,000. Gregg returned to his roots, and once again, followed the blueprint that led the Allman Brothers to their success – by playing anywhere, anytime for anyone who would listen. He built a new group, centered around the talents of members of the ABB “side project” Cowboy, and his younger brother Frankie on drums. The Gregg Allman Band was rounded out by Bruce Waibel on rhythm guitar, bassist Gregg Voorhees, percussionist Chaz Trippy, and a horn section featuring the Finney Brothers (Donn on sax and flute, Larry on trumpet).
The GAB hit the road hard and heavy in 1983, and despite the austere nature of the tour, Gregg was happy, because he was playing music his way – without the internal drama and divisions of the post-’70s Allman Brothers. As Gregg put it, “With my band, there’s only one cook in the kitchen.” Playing solo material and songs from the ABB catalog, and tracks from his first two solo albums, the group made an appearance at Uncle Sam’s on July 1, 1983. Located in the oceanside coastal town of Hull, Uncle Sam’s had a local reputation as a hot music room, and Gregg’s name and talent attracted those who wanted the music served warm and with passion.
The set opened with a steady and smoky groove that featured a haunted duet of “Gregg and the girls.” Gregg carefully weaves the iconic song where he joined the notes, and then Finney kept rolling the mood. This amazing six minutes set the tone for the evening. It’s followed by an acoustic treatment of “Come and Go Blues,” a long flowing “Dreams.” The rhythm section held the melody while Gregg Voorhees and Chaz Trippy laid down a bed of thunder for Gregg’s immensely powerful vocals. “Queen of Hearts” from Gregg’s 1977 Playin’ Up a Storm album, and his personal take on the blues feelin’ is next. That was followed by a jazzy interpretation of Gregg’s memories of love (and old school) R&B. He once said that the tune is Danny’s lead guitar’s melancholy and longing. The answer is as slow as molasses, his voice was obvious, and his organ fills were tight and laced with a sexy sax solo.
The jazzy “Hot ‘Lanta” serves as the perfect platform for this band to shine, and this take captured the Allman Brothers’ essence. The tempos and rhythms are synced, and you could tell they were right there. Gregg and Danny tore it up on “Queen of Hearts.” This magnificent version is a highlight of the evening. Danny, note for note, matched the phrasing, while the solos from Donn Finney’s staccato trumpet and very different version of “Trouble No More” was punctuated by Larry Finney’s sax punct to work and Donny’s edgy solo, which gave way to “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’,” which was the most explosive performance of the night. Gregg growled his way through the tune, and Danny took flight on a killer break. Gregg growled his way through the song, and Frankie locked in with a spectacular three-minute solo that just kept climbing on and on. Danny took flight on a killer break, and the band blasted into “I’m No Angel.” It was an epic moment, backed by the power and the rhythm that slid into the Gregg Allman Band. GAB had often been overshadowed by Dickey Betts in the Allman Brothers, but now the spotlight was on the GAB.
Gregg and Danny then turned on the flame by performing a soft, touching “Melissa,” which brought a momentary sense of serenity to the packed room.
Things ratcheted back up for the show-closing “Statesboro Blues,” with everyone in the band moving and grooving to the loping groove. Bruce Waibel and Larry Finney both got a chance to display their talents, and Gregg led the charge to a vamping conclusion; this killer “Statesboro” left the crowd totally spent and satisfied.
Live at Uncle Sam’s is a captivating moment in time that proves beyond measure that Gregg Allman was not only the lead in his own band. More importantly, it showcases Gregg’s period as a road warrior, the consummate bluesman traveling from crossroad to crossroad. Enjoy every note.
– John P. Lynskey