Search - HourGlass :: Power of Love

Worth it for historical rather than musical reasons.

M. D'Ariano | New York, NY USA | 08/23/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Let me begin by saying that while any fan of R&B/Rock music would probably enjoy this album, the main reason to buy it is to check out the roots of The Allman Brothers Band. Hour Glass was Gregg and Duane Allman's band prior to forming The Allman Brothers Band. This album, their second was released just one year prior to the formation of the A.B.B. Now while Gregg's vocal here are as good as anything he's ever done, Duane's guitar, though strong, is no where near where it would be just 2 years later when the Allmans first played the Fillmore East. Perhaps the most interesting part of the sound on this record, is what's missing. Hearing Gregg and Duane without Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe, and Berry Oakley shows us the extreme amount of talent and style those 4 brought to the original Allmans line-up, and helps us understand that the decision to remain the Allman Brothers Band after there was only one Allman in the group was the right one. The A.B.B. was about much more than just Duane and Gregg Allman; Hour Glass was not.
Finally, one note on the track listing of this album. "It's Not My Cross to Bear" is the song you know by the Allman Brothers Band but "Southbound" is a different song with the same title."