Photo Credit: Dino Perrucci

On Saturday, April 27, Jaimoe, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and the last remaining constituent of the original lineup made a rare, one-off concert appearance alongside Friends of the Brothers at SHU Community Theatre in Fairfield, Conn. During the single-set performance, Jaimoe revisited Allman Brothers Band classics alongside the tribute project, which cut into classics from across the Peach State band’s beloved discography. 

Comprised of artists with deep Allman ties, the Friends of the Brothers’ lineup features Junior Mack, a known Jaimoe collaborator, and frontman in Jasssz Band for 15 years. Also on the night’s roster was a former touring member of Dickey Betts and Great Southern for a decade, Andy Aledort, and Alan Paul, ABB biographer and author of One Way Out: The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band

Stepping back in time, Jaimoe and company commenced their concert with the lead single off ABB’s second studio LP, Idlewild South (1970), tapping into “Revival” before abandoning the love-tinged reminder in lieu of the Piedmont blues. Moving through the band’s discography, the group arrived at Eat a Peach (1972), reprising the Gregg Allman-penned “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” followed by “Blue Sky.” The latter number was originally written and sung by the late Dickey Betts. Given the context of his April 18 passing, the run-through conjured recognition for Jaimoe’s late bandmate–a nod of admiration.

Reaching the midway point in the frame, Friends of the Brothers returned to Idlewild South with “Midnight Rider” and the band’s ensuing take on fellow LP originator, “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” The aforementioned song represented Jaimoe’s final sit-in for the main set, leaving the other members of Friends of the Brothers to take on “Don’t Keep Me Wondering” and Betts’ best-known contribution to ABB, “Ramblin Man,” which further served as a homage. 

Jaimoe reappeared for the night’s encore, contributing to the instrumental, “Jessica,” which took the final song slot, before bows and crowd acknowledgments. Following up after the show, band member and author Alan Paul wrote on Instagram: “Still buzzing big time from Friends of the Brothers with Jaimoe show Saturday Night, and I guess I will be for a long, long time. Much more to come.”

Scroll down to view Friends of the Brothers’ setlist.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Alan Paul (@alanpaul66)

Friends of the Brothers 

SHU Community Theatre – Fairfield, Conn. 

April 27, 2024 

Set: Revival, Statesboro Blues, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Blue Sky, Midnight Rider, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, Don’t Keep Me Wondering*, Ramblin Man *

Enc.: Jessica

Notes:

* Performed without Jaimoe