Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972

The Allman Brothers Band

Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972

Allman Brothers Band Recording Company

January 18, 2024
Web Exclusive

By Frank Valish

“We would like to dedicate the entire concert to each and every one of you. And of course good brother Duane.” So begins the Allman Brothers Band concert on April 7, 1972 at Syracuse University. The show comes just five short months after Duane Allman's untimely death and less than a year before the band lost another member, bassist Berry Oakley. As such, Manley Field House documents the short-lived five-piece incarnation of the Allman Brothers – Gregg Allman on vocals and keyboards, Dickey Betts doing double duty on lead and slide guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, and Butch Trucks and Jaimoe on drums.

After this timely, mournful introduction, the Allman Brothers Band proved just how resilient they were to soldier on after Duane's death. The first two songs, “Statesboro Blues” and Elmore James' “Done Somebody Wrong,” feature Betts doing his best to support Duane, and acquitting himself in the best possible way.

Of course, the band was done in 1972 Eat a peach as this pentagram, and Manley Field House features two songs from that masterpiece, “Ain't Wastin' Time No More” and Elmore James' cover of “One Way Out,” played together tonight. Much of the rest of the show echoes the band's recognition At the Fillmore East live album, with an additional jam specific to his current location, titled “Syracuse Jam”, not available anywhere else.

What is striking about this concert is first and foremost the absence of Duane. Betts does a good job of filling Duane's shoes, but there's a certain guitar energy found in early ABB shows that's still missing here. But the other thing that stands out, aside from some incomparable jams on songs like “You Don't Love Me,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and, of course, “Whipping Post,” is Oakley. His bass, high up in the mix, becomes just as much a star as the band's guitar, keyboards or vocals on this night. Manley Field House it's a remarkable opportunity to support and celebrate Oakley's contribution on bass to this band, before he naturally departs like brother Duane several months later. (www.allmanbrothersband.com)

Author Rating: 7.5/10