“Eat a Peach” is neither new nor new again…but it is one of the most powerful albums you will ever hear. This album is a revolution of blues, southern rock (the way it’s supposed to be played), improvisational jamming, soul, and a good time. A healthy mix of live tracks and studio classics it is one of the defining album of, not just rock n’ roll, but music as a whole. The songs on this album are the ones that made me want to learn to play guitar and have kept me humble ever since.
Every time I listen to this album I hear something different. Be it a different riff by Duane on slide, a different drum beat that is so crazy it’s hard to follow (let alone play it), Barry Oakley laying down a funky bass line, Gregg making the organ cry, or Dicky Betts gliding down the next of his Les Paul every song is trip to another planet.
The album opens with “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” which was written as a tribute to the late Duane Allman who died in a motorcycle accident during the recording of the album. The song also served as a motto for the band to continue even in the wake of tragedy. Most of the songs on the album were recorded with Duane before his untimely death, including the juggernaut of improve jams, the 33:38 “Mountain Jam” which was recorded live at the Fillmore, but was too long to fit on the previous album, “Live at the Fillmore”. Another live track on the disc that recorded at the same concert is the Elmore James song, “One Way Out”.
This entire album is a beautiful blend of acoustic melodies, gritty Deep Southern blues, improve jams, and heartfelt soulful songs.
The album was originally going to be called “The Kind We Grow in Dixie” but after Duane’s death, they were reminded of something he said in an interview shortly before his accident. A reporter asked him what he was doing to help the revolution and he replied with, "There ain't no revolution, it's evolution, but every time I'm in Georgia I eat a peach for peace.”
With this album, or any other Allman Brothers Band album you have to be careful, because with out warning it may change your life. Don’t misinterpret me, you won’t see God in the music, there aren’t any hidden messages if it’s played backwards, but it is the kind of music that will speak to you and stay with you. I had the privilege to see them live in ’98 and to this day is still the greatest concert I have ever seen.
