It is, was, and likely forever will be on just about any and every list of best live albums in rock history. 55 years ago it was, more humbly, the crucial turning point for the electrifying and transcendental road-warrior ways of The Allman Brothers Band. After two studio albums that showed musical promise more than impressive sales figures, it was this collection of indelible performances gathered over a handful of shows in NYC at Fillmore East that shot the ensemble to the summit.

Now, reissued on vinyl as part of Universal Music’s terrific new Vinylphyle series, the two-platter crown jewel is back. Remastered by Jeff Powell, from the original analog master tape, this one already has the ultra-fastidious audiophile crowd smiling ear to ear. And why not? It’s pressed on quiet, flat 180-gram wax, with its iconic artwork restored to glory. Even the label- substituting a Mercury moniker in place of the original Capricorn- aims lovingly to capture the salmon-hued circle of the first press.

With the aesthetics in place, the sonics follow accordingly. The remastering from Powell, a lifelong fan of the Brothers, is conscientious and selective. Perhaps the most conspicuous effort is in the mid-bass range, bumping up Berry Oakley’s low-end wallop. Too, the tandem drums of Butch Trucks and Jaimoe feel rounder in tone, with a fuller attack.

Gregg Allman’s commanding vocals, as he walks hand in hand with the blues, are repeatedly stirring, if nearly omnipotent. As for the twin-guitar seminal force of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, it’s as stunning as ever. Not as brightly presented as on the original, instead the pair’s harmonious interplay and incandescent lead work are embedded a bit more in the mix and nicely within the stereo soundstage. The effect is just as mesmerizing as the playing, itself, pulling the listener into that scorching March ‘71 run of dates in the Apple.

The new liner notes, as expected, praise the album in proper fashion- as the influential, incredible, immortal assemblage of performances it is. As well, they remind of not only the longevity of this set as an essential, but also how its release rocketed the band to stardom. Tragedy would follow, unfortunately, with the deaths of Duane Allman and Oakley, yet only sealing its place, capsule-like, emotionally, historically, and musically, as arguably the greatest live album of all-time.