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Written by Dave Jasmon Monday, 28 August 2006 04:37

Honeytribe appears with Gregg Allman and Friends at the Pageant, January 14. Honeytribe is fronted by Devon Allman.

w/Devon Allman's Honeytribe
at The Pageant, St. Louis | 8 p.m., all ages | sold out

Gregg Allman's career has been one of monumental ups and periodic downs. The Hall of Fame vocalist/Hammond organist of the eponymous Allman Brothers Band has penned classics such as "Midnight Rider," married Cher, persevered years beyond the death of brother Duane and the departure of notable collaborator Dickey Betts, and he keeps on grooving. His latest move comes in the form of a U.S. tour alongside Devon Allman and his Honeytribe, with Devon being Gregg's son via his first marriage. Despite their initial estrangement, father and son Allman seem to be flourishing, and this joint effort reinforces the fact that good music is the great connecter of our world. Poignant, indeed, is the notion that Gregg was a part of what is widely considered the original jam band, a movement that no doubt thrives on the powers of connectivity in music, an organic fusion of crisp tones, warm soul, and tied-back ponytails (each of which Gregg is guilty of).

Primarily a performer of latter-day strokes of genius, Gregg Allman is guaranteed to move the deepest of restrained fibers in modern minds. He hits the notes with the most positive of intentions, and for this, music lovers young and old are all the better. Accompanied by a world-class band, this tour is a not-so-rare but still important chance to see one of the all-time greats of rock 'n' roll not very far removed from his prime. In fact, I guarantee Mr. Allman would argue that he is very much ensconced in one of the most fruitful periods of his life.

On the other hand, yet very much on the same hand as his father, Devon Allman has enjoyed his share of success, as well. With vocal stylings reminiscent of the Midnight Rider, Devon has parlayed genetic influences into an independent force and, clearly, has emerged as his own artist. Touring in anticipation of their debut album, Devon Allman's Honeytribe mixes the undeniable strength of jam and southern rock into a bluesy, rocking good time that's about as straightforward as it gets. Subsequently, you should check your ambitions at the door, and if you came to rock, then stay. If you didn't, no hard feelings, but I doubt you'll be missed. Both Allmans promise a form of music from which good times were bred, a blend of professionalism and humility that only a fellow music lover can enjoy. It should be as juicy and lush as eatin' a peach. | Dave Jasmon

Devon Allman's Honeytribe on tour through January (check for dates with Gregg Allman & Friends): 1/2: State Theater | Washington, D.C.; 1/3: Norva | Norfolk; 1/4: Ramshead On Stage | Annapolis; 1/5: Bergen Performing Arts Center | Engelwood; 1/6: Moondog | Pittsburgh; 1/8: CES Convention | Las Vegas; 1/9: House of Blues | Cleveland; 1/10: Emerald Theatre | Mt. Clemens; 1/12-13: House of Blues | Chicago; 1/14: The Pageant | St. Louis; 1/20: Cicero's | St. Louis; 1/24: Smith's Olde Bar | Atlanta; 1/25: Wiseguy's | Stateboro; 1/26: Q's Downtown | Thomaston; 1/27: Hal & Mal's | Jackson