Hittin' the Note

Allman Brothers Band

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 18, 2003)
• Original Release Date: March 18, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B000089RVP
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #4,146 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Very rarely is a legendary band able to come up with new, credible material. Jam band progenitors the Allman Brothers have done better than that, tapping into some of the spark that made them one of the most influential American bands of their time. The lineup has changed due to tragedy, discontent, and plain orneriness, but the band is still able to conjure up dark tales of thwarted romance, dashed ambitions, and enduring friendship and tether them to freefalling slide riffs, jazzy interludes, and soulful blues that have been staples of the band since 1969. Granted, some of the guitar solos aren't an heroic as they were when Dickey Betts in the fold, but the ballad "Desdamona" is as inspired as "Melissa," and Gregg Allman's singing has never been better. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heaven for blues-rock lovers., June 14, 2003

By	FairiesWearBoots8272 (USA) - See all my reviews

The Allman Brothers Band triumphantly returns with their first studio album since "Where It All Begins" back in 1994. That was a very good album that was probably one of their best since the 70s, thanks to the addition of slide-guitar master Warren Haynes. Haynes and bassist Allen Woody (rest in peace) left the group soon after to focus on Gov't Mule, which Haynes has been with ever since, even after Woody's death. For their last tour, The ABB was joined by 23-year-old virtuoso Derek Trucks, a welcome addition to the group. Unfortunately, Dickey Betts, one of the group's founding members was fired from the band after being with it for over thirty years. This left something of a gaping hole in the band to say the least. However, the good news is that Warren Haynes has returned to the group to fill in for Betts, and we now have the group sounding as good as ever.

With the incredible duo of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on guitar, you know this one is going to be good. With 2003's Hittin' The Note, the Allman Brothers Band truly returns to form. The band manages to recreate the magic of not only their great early 90's albums, but also their classic early 70s material. For me, the Allman Brothers Band's signature sound was the interplay between the two lead guitars; in the old days, Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. That's the classic sound. Two distinct lead guitars playing off each other in beautiful harmony. Now, thirty-one years after Eat A Peach, we have this new line up which stands up admirably against the original. Lead guitar duties are assumed by Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks and they work very well together. They may not quite reach the heights of the Duane Allman/Dickey Betts group, but they hold their own very well. They take turns laying out their smooth slide guitar wailings. You can always tell who's who because Haynes is on the left speaker and Trucks is on the right. Gregg Allman's vocals and keyboards are great as always. The rhythm sectional is splendid as well.

Hittin' The Note opens with a solid, bluesy rocker "Firing Line". Right from the opening riff, a heavy bluesy Warren Haynes riff, you know that this group is back and better than ever. The band goes through an assortment of original songs, most longer than five minutes and featuring plenty of soloing. The material is strong indeed. The two covers are also nice. One, a Freddie King song, "Woman Across The River", the second, an early Rolling Stones tune, "Heart Of Stone". The only thing missing from Hittin' The Note is a Dickey Betts instrumental. Warren Haynes contributes "Instrumental Illness", which is good but basically just feels like a bunch of long solos. It lacks the wonderful harmony that Dickey Betts brought to his instrumental compositions.

That aside, Hittin' The Note is easily the Band's best effort in ages. It is a must-purchase for fans of ABB, Gov't Mule or Derek Trucks.

41 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Triumphant Return!, March 26, 2003

By	J. E FELL "boogaloojef" (Carterville, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Hittin' The Note" is the first new studio album by the band for a number of years. The disk marks the return of Warren Haynes to the band and the additions of Derek Trucks on guitar and Oteil Burbridge on bass guitar. The line up featured here duplicates the fire and inventiveness of the original band. Haynes and Trucks work well together whether electric or acoustic as evidenced by the instrumental "Instrumental Illness" or the closing track "Old Friend". While some might miss the country influence found in Dickey Betts' playing, newcomer Derek Trucks brings a blusier feel to the music. The disk includes covers of Texas blueman Freddie King's "Woman Across The River" and the Rolling Stones' "Heart Of Stone". The disk also includes the Allman Brothers Band's take on the track "Rockin' Horse" from Haynes' band Gov't Mule. The soloing in "High Cost Of Living" brings back reminders of the original line up sounding fresh and inspired. The entire disk is good. Tracks like "Firing Line", "Who To Believe" and "Maydell" are in a rockier vein. "Desdemona" and "Old Before My Time" are slower. Vocals are handled by Gregg and Warren with Gregg's whiskey throated vocals being an essential part of the band's identity. The rhythm section is stellar as usual with Burbridge's inventive bass playing being a welcome addition to the band. It will be interesting to hear if their next release can keep up the momentum started here with this revamped line up.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stellar return to form!, March 18, 2003

By	"jd115" (San Bruno, California USA) - See all my reviews

Though they have been touring the whole time, this is the first new album by ABB in nine years. I picked up the CD this morning and it hasn't left my player since. Back in the fold is guitar God Warren Haynes, who left the band years ago to persue his own band, Gov't Mule. The line-up at guitar had been a revolving door since the last time the band had an album out, but now the Brother have settled on what may be their best tandum ever. Joining Haynes is Derek Trucks. Trucks is more than just the second coming of Duane Allamn when it comes to slide guitar, he is what I invision Duane would have been had he lived past 1971. Trucks has a slide tone that is as smooth as velvet and he can turn it around an get downright nasty when the song calls for it. Coupled with Haynes' formidable slide and lead skills, this band has gotten the fire back. Gregg Allman is singing better than I've heard him in years. Otiel Burbridges' bass work is awsome as he works to keep up with drummers Jaimoe and Butch Trucks and percussionist Marc Quinones.

Missing from this album and incarnation of the band is founding member Dickey Betts. While I've always been a fan of Mr. Betts, he is not missed here. I've always been a fan of the ABB, but I felt that there was a big drop off in the quality of the records they put out after Brothers and Sisters. The release of Seven Turns brought in Warren and the late Allen Woody and the Brothers were a thing of beauty once again. After Haynes and Woody left, the band was missing something. The Peakin' At the Beacon album was very much like the mediocre releases of the late 70's and 80's by the band. The youthful energy and dynamics brought by Haynes and Trucks on this new release make it easy to forget about Betts. Haynes now plays Dickey's role in the band, writing nearly all the songs, singing on three songs and infusing his stellar guitar tone and licks. Haynes' skill as a singer and guitar player far exceed Betts and it makes the band that much more powerful. This album rivals the ABB albums of 30 years ago. It's inventive, fresh and just plain rockin'.

Each song is great in it's own way, but the highlights include "Firing Line", "Desdemona", "Woman across the river", "Maydell", "Rocking Horse" and a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Heart of Stone". Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on one of the greatest albums by these Rock and Roll Hall Of Famers. It ranks right up there with "Fillmore East" and "Beginnings" as the bands best.