Founding members of the legendary Allman Brothers Band have joined forces for a new endeavor, called Les Brers, named after a track on ABB’s "Eat a Peach" album. The group kicks off their Fall Northeast tour at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, September 7 at 8 p.m. as part of the Pepsi Rock Series Powered by Xfinity. Celebrate the music and legacy of this iconic group with Butch Trucks and Jaimoe (drummers), longtime members Oteil Burbridge (bass) and Marc Quinones (percussion), former ABB guitarist Jack Pearson, frequent ABB guest Bruce Katz on keyboards, singer Lamar Williams Jr. (son of the former ABB bassist) plus guitarist Pat Bergeson (Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Suzy Bogguss).
The band’s name is a nod to the instrumental “Les Brers in A Minor” from the ABB’s epic breakthrough hybrid studio/live Eat A Peach album, which was released in 1972 and cemented the band’s superstardom status. The band will perform an eclectic selection of music familiar to fans of the Allman Brothers Band, whose unique improvisational style, great songwriting and heavy touring made them one of the most acclaimed bands in American rock history. They are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (plus various other Grammy’s) and many Gold and Platinum records. The Allman Brothers are a featured artist on media sponsor i95fm – the home or rock and roll!
One of Butch Trucks’ first bands was local Jacksonville band The Vikings, who made one 7-inch record in 1964. Another early band was The 31st of February which formed and broke up in 1968. This group’s lineup eventually included both Duane Allman and Gregg Allman. They recorded a cover of “Morning Dew”, by 1960 folk singer Bonnie Dobson. Trucks then helped form The Allman Brothers Band in 1969, along with Duane Allman (guitar), Gregg Allman (vocals and organ), Dickey Belts (guitar), Berry Oakley (bass), and fellow drummer Jai Johanny Johanson (a.k.a. Jaimoe).
Butch continues to be a leading component in the Roots Rock Revival summer music camp. Roots Rock Revival is a four night, five day all-inclusive intensive that features master classes, jam sessions, Q&A sessions, open rehearsals and more. It’s an intimate look at the Southern Blues Rock movement, the Allman Brothers Band and the music that forms the foundation of Rock ‘n Roll. Some of the young attendees are often invited to perform with Butch at local gigs.
Jaimoe is a legendary drummer and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Jaimoe and his Jasssz Band. Combining elements of Jazz, Blues, Rock-n-Roll, and R&B into a unique blend that captures the spirit and stirs the soul. Their repertoire ranges from new interpretations of classic tunes, as well as original songs that are classics in the making. Jaimoe, man of many names, and one of the original six Allman Brothers Band members, has combined forces with fellow drummer and percussionist Butch Trucks in a million subtle, driving, playful, and energizing ways to keep the music on track and flowing.
Bassist Oteil Burbridge is a music force. A founding member of H.O.R.D.E. favorites Aquarium Rescue Unit, Oteil went on to form relationships across the musical universe. He joined the Allman Brothers Band in 1997 and has toured as a bandleader with The Peacemakers, with Tedeschi Trucks Band, with Page McConnell of Phish in the band Vida Blue and most recently as the bassist in Dead & Company with John Mayer and surviving Grateful Dead members.
For tickets ($77.50), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.