DUANE ALLMAN SESSIONS
1
The Hour Glass “ Been Gone Too
Long ” ( c . 1968 )
You can hear so much of the future Allman Brothers sound in this straight-up soul track , featuring Gregg Allman ’ s earthy vocals and brother , Duane ’ s powerful rhythm work , gently graced with amplifier tremolo . He weaves in Curtis Mayfield-styled double-stop licks under Gregg ’ s vocals and , later in the track , big punchy chords . You have to remember that Duane was only 21 years old at this session , with his brother , a mere 20 . They were just kids — but already seasoned musicians with deep soul and rich musical instincts .
2
Boz Scaggs “ Loan Me a Dime ”
( 1969 )
Breaking out from the Steve Miller Band , singer / guitarist Boz Scaggs rolled down to Muscle Shoals , Alabama to work with its acclaimed studio musicians , as well as a ringer from Georgia named , you guessed it , Duane Allman . A minorkey blues , “ Loan Me a Dime ” is a fiery piece of R & B , with Duane ’ s lead guitar pushed out front . It ’ s a great example of Skydog ’ s non-slide work , instead demonstrating his thrilling pentatonic chops and tone . At nearly 13 minutes long and rife with great horn arrangements , it ’ s more than ample proof that Allman was one of the best bluesrock guitarists of the day .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION GUITAR TRICKS INSIDER 43