Allgood
June 3, 2011
Smith’s Olde Bar – Atlanta, GA
Magic was in the air as an anticipatory crowd packed into Smith’s Olde Bar to welcome back Allgood for the first time in over 15 years. It seems that so many of my favorite bands are finding a second and for some a third wind and reuniting to bring their music back to the fans. In 2006 when one of my favorite bands Allgood announced a reunion with 3/5 of the original line up I was so psyched that I would finally get to see them perform live. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be but on this night, I was about to have my chance. The energy in the room was intense and the crowd was obviously really excited to be there. What would they open up with? Would they sound good? So many questions were about to be answered by the parting of the stage curtain.
The packed house roared with excitement as Allgood took the stage opening with “Ride The Bee” and they were off as everyone (myself included) was grooving out and grinning ear to ear. Lead singer Corky Jones then took the stage to a rousing applause as the band slid right into “Knocks Me On My Knees.” I had never heard this song before so it was a real treat to hear them doing something new to my ears. The band was focused and original guitarist Clay Fuller really locked in with new addition Neil Lucas like they had been playing together for years. Kicking into the classic tune “Them Changes” brought yet more cheering, grooving and a room full of smiles. Corky Jones has to be one of the greatest unsung front men ever as he danced, smiled and encouraged the packed room to sing along and just lose themselves in the music.
The show was chock full of classic Allgood songs like “Nickel and Dime” and “Semprini” which time warped me right back to the ol’ days. “Mornin’” was an absolute face melter and was a guitar fans dream. The interplay between Clay Fuller and Neil Lucas was absolutely flooring as drummer Neil Felty and bassist Mike Sain locked in with a groove that created a foundation that was unbreakable. Closing my eyes it was the same, great band full of life, energy and fun that I remembered and as they delivered the classic “Funky House” the energy just went off the charts. While it was so great to hear so many classic songs, it was even more exciting to hear some great new songs like “Sweet Soul Sister”, “Sticky Sweet” and “Lion of Dixie.” The addition of keyboard player Scott Sheriff added a depth that was very much welcomed to these great songs. Hearing Allgood performing new material showed that as a band they are not just taking the nostalgic road. Corky announced that the band was going to recording a new album which brought an even bigger smile to my face.
This performance was a marathon performance which came to a boiling point as they slammed into
“Time Is Gonna Bring Us A Change” which I have been wanting to hear live for years. Bassist Mike Sain proved that he still has his amazing chops and much like Corky is terribly underrated at what he does. He has to be one of the funkiest bassists in the jam band universe. Allgood brought the night to a close with a sing-along “Train Song”, and epic face melting “Trilogy” and a version of “It’s Alright” that brought the house down unlike any show I’ve ever seen at Smith’s Olde Bar. The last time I saw a band rock this place this hard was The Screaming Cheetah Wheelies back in 1996.
As the house lights came up, the members of Allgood mingled with the fans and thanked them all for coming out to support them. Allgood at one time was just a great piece of my past. A moment in time and the soundtrack to many great memories. After this night here in Atlanta, Allgood is not only a great memory of times long past but also of times yet to be had. Allgood is back and here to stay. What can I say? Life is Allgood!
Set List
Ride the Bee, Knocks Me To My Knees, Them Changes, Nickel and Dime, Ride, Sugar Sweet, Mornin’, Semprini > Stepping Stone > Ease On My Way, Sweet Soul Sister, Believe To My Soul, Funky House, Big Rock, Together, Tears Me Up Inside, Chore Boy, Sticky Sweet, Fist, JBT, Lion of Dixie, Time Is Gonna Bring Us A Change, Train Song > Trilogy
Encore: It’s Alright
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