US Guitarist Dickey Betts is probably best known as one of the original members of the mighty Allman Brothers. In the mid seventies, he recorded his first country-tinged album, "Highway Call", on Capricorn Records. Two years later, he formed his first post-Allmans band, Great Southern, and they released two critically acclaimed albums for Arista Records, "Dickey Betts and Great Southern" in 1977 and "Atlanta Burning Down" in 1978. In between performing and touring with The Allmans, Betts also developed a band that would be able to deliver everything he needed. By the time this album had come along, Betts was now joined by fellow (future) Allmans guitarist Warren Haynes, session players Matt Abts on drums and Johnny Neel on keyboards and Marty Privette on bass. This album, which also featured special guest Butch Trucks on percussion, also from The Allmans, was by far the best from this seasoned guitarist, and it seemed as if he'd finally struck gold, with a really good band to boot. His solo career seemingly put on hold, Betts returned to The Allmans in 1990 and appeared on their first new studio album in nine years, "Seven Turns", and, together with Warren Haynes, gave the Allmans an even stronger, rockier sound. Betts also appeared on later Allman Brothers albums such as "Where it all Begins" and the two live "An Evening with The Allman Brothers Band" albums in 1992 and 1995. Sadly, as we were listening to this great album on Sunday night, we were unaware that Allen Woody, bassist with The Allmans and one of the members of Gov't Mule alongside Warren Haynes and Matt Abts, had been found dead in a hotel room. No reasons or causes are apparent at this time, but as soon as we find out, we'll pass on the tragic news to you. You already know how we feel about Gov't Mule, so Woody's death is particularly devastating. It would seem that The Allman's sad history is set to continue with Gov't Mule. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. 
  
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