The Allman Brothers Band triumphantly returns with their first studio album since "Where It All Begins" back in 1994. That was a very good album that was probably one of their best since the 70s, thanks to the addition of slide-guitar master Warren Haynes. Haynes and bassist Allen Woody (rest in peace) left the group soon after to focus on Gov't Mule, which Haynes has been with ever since, even after Woody's death. For their last tour, The ABB was joined by 23-year-old virtuoso Derek Trucks, a welcome addition to the group. Unfortunately, Dickey Betts, one of the group's founding members was fired from the band after being with it for over thirty years. This left something of a gaping hole in the band to say the least. However, the good news is that Warren Haynes has returned to the group to fill in for Betts, and we now have the group sounding as good as ever.

With the incredible duo of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on guitar, you know this one is going to be good. With 2003's Hittin' The Note, the Allman Brothers Band truly returns to form. The band manages to recreate the magic of not only their great early 90's albums, but also their classic early 70s material. For me, the Allman Brothers Band's signature sound was the interplay between the two lead guitars; in the old days, Duane Allman and Dickey Betts. That's the classic sound. Two distinct lead guitars playing off each other in beautiful harmony. Now, thirty-one years after Eat A Peach, we have this new line up which stands up admirably against the original. Lead guitar duties are assumed by Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks and they work very well together. They may not quite reach the heights of the Duane Allman/Dickey Betts group, but they hold their own very well. They take turns laying out their smooth slide guitar wailings. You can always tell who's who because Haynes is on the left speaker and Trucks is on the right. Gregg Allman's vocals and keyboards are great as always. The rhythm sectional is splendid as well.

Hittin' The Note opens with a solid, bluesy rocker "Firing Line". Right from the opening riff, a heavy bluesy Warren Haynes riff, you know that this group is back and better than ever. The band goes through an assortment of original songs, most longer than five minutes and featuring plenty of soloing. The material is strong indeed. The two covers are also nice. One, a Freddie King song, "Woman Across The River", the second, an early Rolling Stones tune, "Heart Of Stone". The only thing missing from Hittin' The Note is a Dickey Betts instrumental. Warren Haynes contributes "Instrumental Illness", which is good but basically just feels like a bunch of long solos. It lacks the wonderful harmony that Dickey Betts brought to his instrumental compositions.

That aside, Hittin' The Note is easily the Band's best effort in ages. It is a must-purchase for fans of ABB, Gov't Mule or Derek Trucks.

Though they have been touring the whole time, this is the first new album by ABB in nine years. I picked up the CD this morning and it hasn't left my player since. Back in the fold is guitar God Warren Haynes, who left the band years ago to persue his own band, Gov't Mule. The line-up at guitar had been a revolving door since the last time the band had an album out, but now the Brother have settled on what may be their best tandum ever. Joining Haynes is Derek Trucks. Trucks is more than just the second coming of Duane Allamn when it comes to slide guitar, he is what I invision Duane would have been had he lived past 1971. Trucks has a slide tone that is as smooth as velvet and he can turn it around an get downright nasty when the song calls for it. Coupled with Haynes' formidable slide and lead skills, this band has gotten the fire back. Gregg Allman is singing better than I've heard him in years. Otiel Burbridges' bass work is awsome as he works to keep up with drummers Jaimoe and Butch Trucks and percussionist Marc Quinones.

Missing from this album and incarnation of the band is founding member Dickey Betts. While I've always been a fan of Mr. Betts, he is not missed here. I've always been a fan of the ABB, but I felt that there was a big drop off in the quality of the records they put out after Brothers and Sisters. The release of Seven Turns brought in Warren and the late Allen Woody and the Brothers were a thing of beauty once again. After Haynes and Woody left, the band was missing something. The Peakin' At the Beacon album was very much like the mediocre releases of the late 70's and 80's by the band. The youthful energy and dynamics brought by Haynes and Trucks on this new release make it easy to forget about Betts. Haynes now plays Dickey's role in the band, writing nearly all the songs, singing on three songs and infusing his stellar guitar tone and licks. Haynes' skill as a singer and guitar player far exceed Betts and it makes the band that much more powerful. This album rivals the ABB albums of 30 years ago. It's inventive, fresh and just plain rockin'.

Each song is great in it's own way, but the highlights include "Firing Line", "Desdemona", "Woman across the river", "Maydell", "Rocking Horse" and a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Heart of Stone". Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on one of the greatest albums by these Rock and Roll Hall Of Famers. It ranks right up there with "Fillmore East" and "Beginnings" as the bands best.

Since Brothers and Sisters, Allman Brothers records have been maddeningly inconsistent. Essentially they have been half good products in almost every case, with stellar playing redeeming even songs that border on excrement (i.e. Louisiana Lou ) Even at that I've bought most of them in at least two formats.

I approached this record with a much greater sense of anticipation. I had heard most of the songs live and had not found one I didn't like. I worried about the transfrer from stage to cd. Often times performances lose all their life. My fears were unfounded.

This cd marks the arrival of Derek Trucks as the most significant player among the next generation of players and cements Warren Haynes as not only a great player, but more importantly a world class producer and writer. Gregg Allman is in great form and his collaboration with Haynes on many of the songs here give promise for a significant period of future growth.

Highlights Desdemonda, High Cost of Low Living, Old Before My Time, and a blistering cover of Freddie King's Woman Across the River

Gregg said this was their best work since Eat A Peach. I can't argue with him. Essential listening

I've read quite a few other reviews of this album, and I totally agree with the consensus that it is one of the strongest albums of the Allman Brothers Band's career. But I must disagree strongly with something I keep reading - that the band's two current guitarists (Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks) are just as good if not better than the departed (fired, actually) Dickey Betts. And no, Derek Trucks does not make me forget about Duane, either. Betts' soaring solos are indeed noticeable in their absence. As a result, this album is surely the weakest ABB album ever from the perspective of pure guitar muscle. But the good news is that the outstanding songwriting, tight ensemble play, excellent production, and well-chosen covers more than counter-balance the guitar issue. And it's not as though the current guitar players are bad; they just don't catch fire with quite the incendiary quality that Dickey brought to the band. On the other hand, although I always thought Betts was a fine songwriter, it's interesting that the ABB comes up with such a strong crop of songs now that he's gone. Among the many highlights are a couple of great, mature meditations on aging and the ravages of hard living ("High Cost Of Low Living", "Old Before My Time"), and two wonderful covers ("Woman Across The River" and the Stones' "Heart Of Stone"). The obligatory instrumental ("Instrumental Illness") is a worthy addition to a long, noble tradition. "Old Friend", "Desdemona" and "Who To Believe" are all strong as well. So the Allman Brothers have proven that they can get along just fine post-Betts. But you can't help wondering what this album could have been with Betts in the fold.

This new Allman Brothers Album is possibly the first legitimate contemporary classic since The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana albums of the early 90's. And here...Greg Allman is turning one out three decades after recording some of the most captivating music of the 20th Century on the legendary Fillmore East and Eat a Peach albums. Yes...this new album is that good. Listen to the percussion parts throughout, and pick your jaw up off the floor as you realize that these cats are approaching 60 years old. Yeah...grandpa rocks harder than the kids.

Those complaining about the lack of guitar "muscle" are probably not musicians...because no self-respecting musician would dare criticize the guitar work (or any playing) on this album, which is simply the finest electric rock guitar work being done these days. As a lifelong Dickey Betts fan, it's hard to admit that his playing with the Allman Band had grown stale and that both his outfit and Greg's outfit are better apart. At times Derek Trucks notes are a ghostly reminder of you know who.

So go give "Rockin' Horse" and "Instrumental Illness" a listen soon...you'll be listening to them 30 years from now as you drive your supercar down the superfreeway.