RARE WITHDRAWN FIRST PRINT 1968 ALLMAN BROTHERS + 31st OF FEBRUARY Hard blues

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41

                
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                 ORIGINAL 1972 FIRST PRESS

           RARE WITHDRAWN GATEFOLD COVER

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    GREGG & DUANE ALLMAN

     ((The 31st Of February))

     pre ALLMAN BROTHERS

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               USA - BOLD RECORDS - 302

RARE COLLECTION COPY ....

This is the pretty scarce, lesser seen very first pressing with superior GATEFOLD COVER that was withdrawn soon after it was released, then re-released with a boring black & white single-fold cover. The album is a 1968 UNRELEASED recording that was set to be released on the Vanguard album but wasn't when the band split and The Allman Brothers formed...

In the wake of Duane Allman's untimely 1971 death, seemingly anyone even remotely related to the Allman Brothers began combing their archives and files for anything even remotely related to their musical careers. The Florida-based Bold label quickly raiding its vaults, releasing 1972's cleverly-titled "Duane & Greg Allman".

By all rights billing this as an Allman Brothers product, complete with an awesome gatefold cover that was withdrawn from pressure by The Allman Brothers MAIN LABEL "Capricorn." The nine tracks actually reflected material recorded in 1968 for what was planned as a second release by "The 31st of February" whom the Allman Brothers were part of. The project had been shelved when band members Scott Boyer (vocals and guitar), David Brown (bass), and drummer Butch Trucks called it quits (Trucks reappeared as a member of The Allman Brothers Band).
At any rate, if you are thinking this set is insignificant or 'inconsequential' pre-Allman Brothers rubbish, think again. While this 1972 release may not match prime Allman Brothers, it still remains essential, excellent material delivering solid tunes across both sides. The tracks are a pure delight. Theer is even a killer early version of 'Melissa.' On the vocals Gregg seldom sounded as sharp or involved with the material. Duane's contributions were less obvious, but just as impressive. Be sure to check out his solo on 'Well I Know Too Well'.
Like early Allman Brothers tracks, tunes such as 'Come Down and Get Me', Back Down Home with You' and 'Well I Know Too Well' the results are heavy enough to appeal to FM fans. While all nine tracks are worth hearing highlights included the haunting 'God Rest His Soul' and the strange and atypical folk-rocker 'In the Morning When I'm Real'.

- Inspired by the post-apocalyptic film "On the Beach" and showcasing Gregg Allman's instantly recognizable voice, 'Morning Dew' is a stunning, bluesy ballad. The track was made even better by Duane's stark fuzz guitar solo, Brown's pounding bass pattern, and some wonderful backing vocals, This one came the closest to capturing that Allman Brothers vibe.
- Judging by the background vocals 'okay break here', 'God Rest His Soul' is an incomplete demo, though the overall performance is very good. Guitarist Boyer had a tough, ballsy voice that sounded very similar to Gregg Allman. That gave the acoustic ballad 'God Rest His Soul' an Allmans-styled feel and made this one of the standout performances.
- Given a slow, bluesy performance, 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out' was certainly competent with the focus on Gregg's keyboards. Once again Boyer's lead vocal recalled Gregg Allman. The song was subsequently rerecorded by Duane Allman as part of the Derek and the Dominos "Layla and Other Love Songs".
- 'Come Down and Get Me' is a complete mystery. Perhaps the band actually recorded a song with that title, however the song on the album was actually 'Down In Texas' (just listen to the lyrics.) Though this one also sounded like a demo with the guitar solo sounding as if it had been cut and pasted on from a different recording.
- The final side one performance, co-written by Gregg Allman and Steve Alaimo, 'Melissa' is even better and was easily the album's standout performance. Gregg seemed to have handled the slightly flat lead vocal, but the rest of the performance, including some instantly recognizable Duane Allman slide guitar is simply stunning and didn't sound radically different from the version that appeared in 1972 on The Allman Brothers album "Eat a Peach".
- One of two David Brown compositions, the bluesy ballad 'I'll Change For You' starts out slowly but hits high gear when the gorgeous chorus and refrain kicks in.
- The second Brown song, 'Back Down Home with You' is another bluesy number - not quite as appealing as the previous song.
- The up-tempo 'Well I Know Too Well' coupled a hearty melody contains some excellent lead guitar.
- Musically 'In the Morning When I'm Real' was the album's strangest performance. A soft, delicate ballad with a beautiful melody. It wasn't bad; in fact I liked the song quite a bit, but it just sounded totally out of place here.

1. Morning Dew ...3:45
2. God Rest His Soul ...3:55
3. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out ...4:32
4. Come Down and Get Me ...3:40
5. Melissa ...3:15
6. (side 2)
7. I'll Change For You ...2:57
8. Back Down Home with You ...2:25
9. Well I Know Too Well ...2:15
10. In the Morning When I'm Real ...2:40

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EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING

All imperfections are noted both cover & record