In 1989, the Allman Brothers reformed for the fourth or fifth time, this time adding Warren Haynes on guitar and Allen Woody on bass. They recorded two studio albums, Seven Turns and Shades of Two Worlds. Shades of Two Worlds was their best studio album since Brothers and Sisters. For some reason, it is no longer available.

After Shades of Two Worlds, the Allman Brothers went on tour in 1991. This CD comes from three shows. When I saw the CD, I didn't have much hopes for it. I thought it would be another live show from a dinosaur band milking the old hits and playing some inferior new songs. But, this is a complete surprise. The old songs are played in new and exciting ways. Blue Skies and Melissa have great guitar duets. Southbound is played in a funky manner. The instrumental part of Dreams builds to a searing conclusion. The new songs are great. End of the Line is a 15 minute tour de force. The CD ends on a low spot. Revival is good, but it has been played better.

Note that this CD is subtitled "First Set". The Allman Brothers later released another CD called "2nd Set". But that is misleading, because these two CD's were taken from two different time periods. "First Set" is from 1991, while "2nd Set" is from 1993. In between, they release another studio album. Note that "Seven Turns", "First Set" and "2nd Set" are also being sold together as a boxset for a low price. If you don't already have one of these three, you should seek out the boxset.

During this time, Haynes and Woody, had a side band going, called Gov't Mule. By 1995, they quit the Allman Brothers to concentrate fully on Gov't Mule. They released a fanatastic live CD called "With a Little Help From My Friends", plus a number of other CD's. Allen Woody died last year and Haynes is playing with Phil Lesh and Friends. The Allman Brothers have reformed again with Butch Trucks' nephew on guitar. Dicky Betts has been kicked out of the band for now.

Following the deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, the ABB went through a protracted period of turmoil, with personnel changes, breakups, and dissension. The slump ended with the addition of bassist Allen Woody and guitarist/vocalist Warren Haynes, giving the band its most talented and stable lineup since its early 1970's heyday. This live album offers superb versions of classics, as well as some more recent material. Of particular note is "End of the Line", which shows the band at its best, from Gregg Allman's excellent vocals, as well as stunning guitar work from the tandem of Haynes and Dickie Betts. There is not a bad cut on the entire album, which proves once and for all that the band is back, and strong as ever. Highly recommended.

So I am disappointed that this is not an actual concert. My bad I suppose for not researching more thoroughly, but when they label it 'An Evening with the Allman Brothers' and title it 'First Set' you would think that maybe this is a live concert recording... wrong. Same thing with what they packaged as the '2nd Set' CD... these two 'evenings' are actually individual live songs culled from 6 different venues over a 2-1/2 year period in the early 90's. Fades between all songs. No continuity at all. I was duped.

OK, I'm done whining. Actually these are very good performances, obviously the best versions selected from each show. Very tight guitar, Gregg's voice is terrific, and a pretty good mix of old and new tunes. The 15 minute Nobody Knows is jamming!

There is no comparison to the Filmore East material... sorry, these 'sets' are not going to be on my desert island list, but are definitely some of the better live recordings out there. Well worth the money as long as you aren't expecting a real concert.

Overall, this is a better listen than 2nd Set. However, that disc features the accoustic version of Elizibeth Reed and a couple of other gems like Warren Haynes' take on Willie Dixon's "Same Thing", making it pretty essential also. The covers on the two cd's might mislead one to think they are two halves of the same show, but actually both discs contain songs from various shows performed throughout the early 90's. Sort of "official bootlegs", these are great tour moments from one of the best bands America has ever produced.

As allways, The Allman Brothers Band deliver the goods! What an amazing band! Great performances from all the guys, all the way through. This band have made so many great cd's that whatever songs they choose to play at a concert it will be a great concert. I love this bands combinations of jazz, blues, greens, reds and pinks. This is a true jam-band- this is the original jam-band!

I don't know what more to say, except: BUY THIS CD!!! And while you're at it: Buy the rest of their catalogue, old and new:-) You won't be dissapointed, and you can take that to the bank!!!