1973Marshall
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Saw the Allman Bros last night. What an amazing experience. Besides the obvious genius there were some things that really struck me about how sitting there it sounded and felt every but like listening to their 70s albums. It was unreal.
1) Sound systems have really changed. PA's are louder and more effective but everything feels a little bassy and boomy now with the mids sort of lacking. I've been to a ton of shows and it just isn't loud anymore, let alone there is something missing. In all, it's cleaner.
2) Playing guitar at volume. I was wow-ed by the guitar's sonic quality and it occurred to me that it had a lot to do with actually playing at volume. Having seen some artists like Walter Trout or Buddy Guy in mid-size venues where they sounded thin or not as enjoyable, even when standing near the stage. Though their playing was quite strong - it had a lot to do with playing low volume and relying entirely on the sound system to push things up.
3) Vintage instrumentation. This is especially true with things like organ. The band has the luxury of moving a real B3 and Leslie around. It looked massive and sounded even more amazing. Having the luxury of two drums kits, real percussion and huge Hammonds in an age when we have to use emulators and backing tracks was sweet. It was truly a throwback sonically.
4) Audience's that get it. Their show had a beautiful arc. They would play into applause... heck, people knew WHEN to applaud. In an age where people want to cheer but don't know when, where or how - when improv and great musicianship are at a premium among popular acts - this was simply a different crowd. One that was truly appreciative. There was an intermission, a beautiful theater environment. People were friendly to one another, and following the intermission they got back and actually listened.
5) Musicianship, the obvious part. It was a throwback to the 70s because these guys were the real deal. Wow!
What an amazing night!
1) Sound systems have really changed. PA's are louder and more effective but everything feels a little bassy and boomy now with the mids sort of lacking. I've been to a ton of shows and it just isn't loud anymore, let alone there is something missing. In all, it's cleaner.
2) Playing guitar at volume. I was wow-ed by the guitar's sonic quality and it occurred to me that it had a lot to do with actually playing at volume. Having seen some artists like Walter Trout or Buddy Guy in mid-size venues where they sounded thin or not as enjoyable, even when standing near the stage. Though their playing was quite strong - it had a lot to do with playing low volume and relying entirely on the sound system to push things up.
3) Vintage instrumentation. This is especially true with things like organ. The band has the luxury of moving a real B3 and Leslie around. It looked massive and sounded even more amazing. Having the luxury of two drums kits, real percussion and huge Hammonds in an age when we have to use emulators and backing tracks was sweet. It was truly a throwback sonically.
4) Audience's that get it. Their show had a beautiful arc. They would play into applause... heck, people knew WHEN to applaud. In an age where people want to cheer but don't know when, where or how - when improv and great musicianship are at a premium among popular acts - this was simply a different crowd. One that was truly appreciative. There was an intermission, a beautiful theater environment. People were friendly to one another, and following the intermission they got back and actually listened.
5) Musicianship, the obvious part. It was a throwback to the 70s because these guys were the real deal. Wow!
What an amazing night!
