Dickey Betts and Great Southern – Still Rocking the Crowd with Country Rock and Blues at the Brixton in Redondo Beach

Dickey Betts and Great Southern – Still Rocking the Crowd with Country Rock and Blues at the Brixton in Redondo Beach

Dickey Betts and Great Southern played at Brixton in Redondo Beach, CA, August 14, 2009.  The performance was a nice mixture of country rock and blues.  The precision and execution of the combined guitar playing was phenomenal and effortless.  With the impression given of tireless rehearsals, most of this set was improvised with just the right amount familiarity of those classics that made The Allman Brothers famous.  Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work as a founding member with Duane Allman of the southern blues/rock group The Allman Brothers Band. Dickey Betts was ranked #58 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list in 2003.  And in keeping with that tradition, Betts continues to wow his audiences with his skillful playing.

“One Way Out,” “Statesboro Blues,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed ,” “Melissa,” and many other hits were performed , but not as the 4-minute songs that were spun on the airwaves for over 2 generations.  These tunes were flavored with intense jamming, lending a fusion-like experience to those well-known songs; some lasting 20 minutes.

“It’s like a throwback to 1972.  It’s the real thing filled with rock n’ roll jamming for the sake of jamming.  No one’s trying to impress.  They are just doing what  they feel at that moment.” –Rich Mouser, Los Angeles Record Producer (and guitar player that evening for country singer Kate Russell, who opened for Dickey Betts)

“It’s great to see someone who still has a passion for music that was performed over 40 years ago.  A lot of people have a passion, but they delivered!”—Michael Shafer, Los Angeles Restaurant Owner

Duane Betts was playing guitar right along side his father, Dickey . . .  no question who he takes after.  An interesting fact about Duane Betts, he was  named after Duane Allman who died tragically in a motorcycle accident in 1968.

Dickey Betts and Great Southern performed two full sets, both with strong opening jams.  Their performance was filled with energy and showmanship.    The musician’s lineup consisted of 3 guitars, 1 bass, 2 drummers, and an organist playing a real Hammond, which is very rare to see these days.  Overall, Friday night at the Brixton in Redondo Beach proved to be both reminiscent and entertaining.  Dickey Betts and Sounthern Country is a refreshing burst of real talent! (Visit their website at www.dickeybetts.com.)

Reviewed by Kaylene Peoples