The Allman Brothers Band - Idlewild South (1970)

The Allman Brothers Band are an American band formed in the late 60s, considered highly influential in the genre of southern rock, and also known for their musical improvisation in concert.

The Allman Brothers' second album was more successful than their debut, both critically and commercially. Whilst the first album had for the most part consisted of jazzy blues-rock, Idlewild South developed their sound in several ways. Guitarist Dickey Betts rose to prominence as a songwriter to rival Gregg Allman, and several of the songs had a more laid-back vibe than those on their first album, utilising acoustic guitars. The highlight of the album is generally considered to be Betts' instrumental "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed", which saw them at their jazzy improvisational best. Elsewhere bassist Berry Oakley sang a creative interpretation of the Willie Dixon standard "Hoochie Coochie Man", and Gregg Allman contributed the classic "Midnight Rider", which was taken to the charts by various other artists (including Gregg himself as a solo artist) years later. The fusion of different strains of rock, blues, jazz and country made Idlewild South an early Southern Rock classic.

The Allman Brothers Band (1969) <|> At Fillmore East (1971)
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