The Allman Brothers Band’s iconic 1971 double live album, At Fillmore East, recorded at New York’s legendary Fillmore East, is a platinum-selling rock classic. It was even selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The album has now been reissued as part of Universal’s acclaimed Vinylphyle audiophile series, and the results are exemplary.
Capturing musical lightning in a bottle, all of the performances on this 1971 album are stellar, featuring the stunning dueling guitar work of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, Gregg Allman’s roaring vocals and powerful Hammond organ, and an unparalleled rhythm section featuring two drummers and bass.
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East marked the moment when the group’s genuinely unique sound (and I rarely use the “U” word) came into full focus, blending Southern blues, rock, soul, and free-form jazz fusion. Here, they effectively drew a line in the sand for what improvisational music could be. In the rock world, only the Grateful Dead, Santana, and Frank Zappa could arguably be considered their musical peers (and yes, Zappa was a Duane fan who later covered the Allmans’ classic “Whipping Post” in concert and in the studio).
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East is not a rare record (more than 500 used copies are available in the U.S. alone on the music marketplace Discogs at the time of this writing!). Along the way, there have also been audiophile editions, including the now-pricey 2015 Mobile Fidelity pressing. But finding a pristine original first pressing is a challenge (this was a popular party album!), so a reasonably priced, high-quality reissue was in order.
Reportedly sourced from a 1971 quarter-inch, 15-inches-per-second, non-Dolby master tape, the lacquers for this Vinylphyle edition were cut by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl in Memphis. The LPs were pressed at RTI (Record Technology, Inc.), one of the world’s top vinyl pressing facilities.
The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East has always been a high-fidelity listening journey. This new Vinylphyle pressing sounds terrific overall, perhaps a bit brighter due to less compression. Just listen to the opening of “Whipping Post,” as bassist Berry Oakley kicks off the album-side-long epic with a roaring rumble, and you’ll know you’re in for a great-sounding experience.
I’ll put it this way: when I closed my eyes at one point, I was transported back to my 10-year-old self, spinning my older brother’s original pink-label Capricorn Records copy and listening late at night on headphones. That it sounds the way the album should sound is the best compliment I can offer.
My only nit to pick is cosmetic: rather than recreate the distinctive hot-pink Capricorn Records label design, the producers created new light-pink labels bearing Mercury branding (an imprint of parent company Universal Music) in the style of the original. Period-accurate labels would have made this Vinylphyle edition that much more authentic.
Regardless, for those of you who simply want a great-sounding copy of this album that won’t break the bank, the Vinylphyle edition is an excellent option.
Presently the Vinylphyle edition of The Allman Brothers Band At Fillmore East is only available via Universal’s uDiscover Music website for $54.98.
Our Ratings
★★★★★★★★★★ Music
★★★★★★★★★★ Sound
★★★★★★★★★★ Packaging
Where to Buy:
Mark Smotroff is a deep music enthusiast / collector who has also worked in entertainment oriented marketing communications for decades supporting the likes of DTS, Sega and many others. He reviews vinyl for Analog Planet and has written for Audiophile Review, Sound+Vision, Mix, EQ, etc. You can learn more about him at LinkedIn.
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