Back in March, Peter Levin gathered an all-star lineup of musicians to pay tribute to the late Gregg Allman. The in-studio footage sat in a vault for nearly nine months until the keyboardist, who long served under the Allman Brothers Band co-founder in his solo outfit, decided to debut it on Wednesday for what would have marked Gregg’s 74th birthday.
The session sees Levin joined by guitarists Marcus King and Audley Freed (The Black Crowes), vocalist Lamar Williams Jr. (Allman Brothers Band), and the Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit rhythm section of drummer Chad Gamble bassist Jimbo Hart. In addition to celebrating Gregg’s life, the session serves dual meaning as it also celebrates Levin’s. Last month the keyboardist underwent emergency heart surgery, noting, “It was a close call, I’m lucky to be standing here telling you this story.” The stream, which aired for free on YouTube, gathered donations for the American Heart Association and The Big House Museum in Macon, GA.
Related: Remembering Gregg Allman With A “Whipping Post” From Every Decade [Videos]
The hourlong stream saw a jam-packed setlist filled with beloved ABB classics, starting off with “Statesboro Blues”, which the band adopted from Blind Willie McTell. Even with Lamar’s powerful vocal performance dominating the stage, King managed to snatch a few stanzas of the song in between blistering slide guitar licks.
The session moved along as Levin stepped out front for an ethereal “Dreams” ahead of “Ain’t Wasting Time No More”. After the eerie contemplation, bassist Jimbo Hart began the unmistakable low rumble of “Whipping Post”, leading the charge into a properly expansive 13-minute telling. Finally, the session came to a close with Dicky Betts‘ instrumental opus, “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed”.
Watch the full Peter Levin & Friends tribute to Gregg Allman stream via the player below.
Peter Levin & Friends Celebrate Gregg Allman – 12/8/21