Description

When the Allman Brothers Bands fifth album, Brothers And Sisters, was released in August 1973, the legendary southern blues-rock group was arguably at the peak of their popularity. To mark its 40th anniversary, the original classic recording, which includes Ramblin Man, Wasted Words, Jessica and Come and Go Blues has been remastered on vinyl.

Brothers and Sisters is significant for myriad reasons. Its the first album the Allman Brothers Band made in its entirety after Duane Allmans death. It also came after bassist Berry Oakleys spookily similar passing, yet he appears on two of the songs. The 1973 set also marks the emergence of guitarist Dickey Betts as the collectives leader. And pianist Chuck Leavells arrival. But for than anything else, the record remains noteworthy for its incredible soulfulness and completeness.

Having stayed at the top of the Billboard charts for five consecutive weeks, Brothers and Sisters constitutes the Allman Brothers Bands biggest commercial triumph. Given the circumstances surrounding its creation, such an accomplishment hardly seemed possible. Fresh from licking their wounds over Duanes tragic motorcycle accident, the group experienced déjà vu when Oakley met the same fate just blocks away from where his mate was killed. Rather than collapse, the Allman Brothers Band tightened up and mellowed out, inviting Leavell to join instead of recruiting another guitarist.

What the sextet gets in return for its troubles is music that marks the concrete beginnings of a form that soon become known as Southern rock. Leavell and Betts exchange notes as if the pair has been trading ideas since they were children. Slide guitars still tread over greasy grooves, yet the Allman Brothers Band digs deeper into country dirt, parlaying a twang anchored by Betts picking and abetted by Greggs organic, shot-of-blues vocals. The laidback vibe manifests on the signature Ramblin Man, a hit evocative of the records breezy melodies and friendly interplay.

The cover art further reveals the Allman Brothers Bands mindset. Golden, tranquil, idyllic, Southern, loving: Its a paradise-longing view that would soon come crashing down in the groups lives but one that, for the duration and existence of Brothers and Sisters, remains gloriously undisturbed.