Review: Second Chance by Allman Goldflies Band

By Dave Resto

Writing the next chapter in the long musical history of the extended Allman family, the Allman Goldflies Band (co-founded by Gary Allman and David “Rook” Goldflies) dropped their debut album Second Chance on March 30^th, 2018. Produced by Goldflies, with songs written by Allman, Goldflies and C. Menfi, this independent release covers a wide swath of the Southern rock landscape.

Keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Allman is the cousin of the late brothers, Duane and Gregg Allman. Bassist/violinist/vocalist Goldflies recorded and toured as a member of the Allman Brothers Band from 1979 to 1982. The two long-time friends recruited guitarists Joe Weiss and Matt Siegel, as well as drummer Shawn “Shack” Shackelford to form AGB. The band is based in Panama City, Florida.

Weiss and Siegel’s stinging, twin-guitar blues riff intro to “Ever Been So Lonely Baby” starts the album off in familiar Southern rock territory. Allman’s voice is weathered and plaintive and he uses that to legitimately sell the sad tale he sings. Goldflies lays down one of his characteristic extended, jazzy bass solos, which is supported and tastefully highlighted by Shackelford. All of this establishes a high bar for the rest of the album and AGB delivers.

Allman overtly uses the album’s title, Second Chance and several of the songs to address his past years of incarceration, away from loved ones and music, and the direction of his life moving forward. On “Standing in the Georgia Rain,” he sings, “They took the best years from me; I’ll make the best with what is left.” The lush sound of Allman’s acoustic rhythm guitar and the gentle propulsion of Goldflies’ bass weave a sonic tapestry that seems to exemplify their friendship. “Baby Show Me How” starts with the lyric, “Open up these prison doors and I become a free man.” This song breathes naturally at its slow tempo, flourishing with soothing keys, slide guitar and violin.

Goldflies allows his symphonic leanings to influence his composition “Fadiddle.” It’s an inventive instrumental, which merges Eastern European gypsy fiddle-sawing and American Southern rock guitar-picking.

“Can’t Turn Back Now” is a delicious slice of funk. Goldflies’ popping bassline and Allman’s staccato keyboard push against the pull of Shackelford’s syncopated cowbell to create the perfect balance of tension and release. The jingly rhythm guitar lends a groovy James Brown feel and the scorching lead guitar lines are as good as anything found on any Steely Dan cut.

Allman has roots in Louisiana, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.  “Southern’s All I Ever Want to Be” is a heartfelt anthem to his beloved southland.

 
“Pretty Green Eyes” shares a musical kinship with the Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider.” Melodically, they are similar in their gritty tones and their driving guitar solos. Thematically, both songs deal with lonely, hard luck travelers, as personified by Gary Allman and Gregg Allman, respectively.

The final track is the beautifully moving gospel piece “When Jesus Calls,” written in honor of Allman’s mother. Full of power and glory, it features a full church choir who begin the song by singing the chorus a Capella. By the raucous, up-tempo ending, your spirit will be lifted.

Gary Allman and David Goldflies have assembled what is very likely to be the next big thing in the Southern rock/Jam band genre.  As debut albums go, Allman Goldflies Band makes a shining first impression with Second Chance.

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