With The Allman Brothers Band calling it day in 2014, and Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks put to rest in 2017, all that’s left of the fabled kings of Southern rock are the memories. So, once you’re done burning the grooves of At The Fillmore, where do you turn to next? For lovers of ABB’s live shows, The Fox Box, an eight-CD set comprising a sold-out three-night run in 2004 at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, does a more than adequate job filling the void.
At the time of these three shows, the Allmans were on a creative roll, having released what turned out to be their final studio album, Hittin’ The Note, the year before. Founding members Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe were joined by the guitar tag tram of Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, along with percussionist Marc Quinones. To make these hometown shows extra special, a number of guests sat in with the band, including guitarist Jack Pearson, a former band member from 1997-99, Derek’s bandmate and wife Susan Tedeschi, guitarist Vaylor Trucks (Butch’s son) and keyboardist Rob Baracco (Phil Lesh, The Dead, and Dead & Company).
Of the 53 songs performed over September 24, 25 and 26, “Dreams” is the only song repeated, and each features a different guitar solo by Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and Jack Pearson. Highlights include a monumental, blistering “Mountain Jam” from the first night, with a reprise toward the end of the show featuring Pearson; covers of the Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” with Susan Tedeschi on the second night; and a harrowing run at “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” with Rob Baracco during the third and final show. There really are no duds on The Fox Box, and anyone who is blessed enough to receive one as a gift should get down on their knees and thank the heavens above.
~ Shawn Perry
