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Allman’s era of enlightenment
Gregg Allman speaks cheerfully. Laughs deeply. Frequently. Calling from a St. Louis Renaissance hotel last week, his demeanor shifts only once: when talk steers toward the Gulf Coast oil spill. At that point, the Allman Brothers Band lead singer chews gravel.
“I’ll never buy BP again,” Allman growls. “I used to put that (gasoline) in all three of my cars, all of my bikes. I think everybody ought to boycott that bunch of (expletive).” The 62-year-old Georgia resident performs Wednesday at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels.
American-Statesman: Your upcoming solo album (no release date set) is mostly covers. How did you choose songs?
Gregg Allman: (Producer) T-Bone Burnett had this modem with a few thousand old - like Billie Holiday old - songs on it. He showed it to me, and said, “What do you think about upgrading these to nowadays?”
Is there an album title yet?
It’s called “Low Country Blues,” because I’m from Savannah and they call that the “low country.” I had Dr. John playing piano and Doyle Bramhall playing guitar. There was no electric bass on the record. We just cut it old school, and it came out so good.
Did you feel it was important to remain true to the original songs?
It is to a certain extent. At the same time, your final goal is to create a whole new composition. If you put it up next to the old one, you’d recognize it, but it’s like building an old hot rod - you’ve gotta keep the frame, but that’s about it (laughs).
What was your approach in the studio?
We cut it all live, even the vocals. They were cut along with the music, which is something I’ve never done. We did 15 songs in 11 days, and we got a bunch of first takes. We’d do the song and then it’s like, “OK, let’s take one.” They say, “No, we already got it.” “Wait, hold it. We don’t even know this (expletive) yet!” (He laughs.)
Did any immediately stand out?
We did that song “Blind Man” that Little Milton and Bobby Bland both did. The guys stayed up two days writing the (expletive) horn charts, and I thought, “Wow, we got it in two, three takes?” T-Bone told me, “You’ve gotta realize, man, you’ve been at this awhile. You might just check to see how good you’re getting at it.” (He laughs).
How was recording this album different from working with the Allman Brothers?
I walked into the studio the first day and saw all these drums sitting there. I mean, not one of them matched (laughs). The drummer (Jay Bellerose) would use like one stick and a tambourine, but he only ever used one stick. He was the strangest drummer I’ve ever seen in my life, but he was killer.
Working with different players must help you evolve as a musician.
You take their stuff and put it with yours and come up with a whole new sandwich, you know (laughs). I really learned a lot about open-mindedness. At first, they said I couldn’t bring my band, and I thought, “What the hell?” I really balked.
What changed your mind?
After (Allman Brothers Band producer) Tommy Dowd died (in 2002), I thought, “What are we going to do?” Man, one of the first things out of (Burnett’s) mouth was, “Wasn’t Tommy Dowd killer?” I thought, “This guy shows promise!”
Gregg Allman with Shawn Pittman
When: 8 tonight
Where: Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
Cost: $49.50
Information: 830-629-5077, gruenehall.com
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