The double bill consisting of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s The Allman Brothers and Santana are only playing in eight (8) cities and opened up their short jaunt together at Darien Lake’s Amphitheater in Western New York this past Sunday night.
Touring in support of his 22nd studio album called “Shape Shifter,” Santana opened up the night with a blistering two (2) hour set that encompassed his entire career. Santana does tour, but also has a regular gig at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.
Santana focused mostly on older material and all the songs showed the proficiency of his powerful 10 piece ensemble, including two (2) vocalists, a bongo player, a drummer, a percussionist, a bass player, a rhythm guitar player, a saxophone player, a trumpet player and keyboardist.
He had the crowd up for most of his set, dancing to the beat and rhythms of all of his songs, especially his hit song “Oye Como Va.” It was one of the most amazing performances of the year. This set had everything, including an amazing and legendary guitarist, passion from not only Santana but his entire band, and every song was delivered with high energy. It made for a difficult task for the headliners, The Allman Brothers, to compete with.
The shorter hour and half set by the Allman Brothers consisted of all their hits and opened up with the classic track “One Way Out.” Gregg Allman, who many said earlier in the year had struggled vocally, did not have to struggle here at all. Allman, who has battled numerous health issues over the last few years, is finally getting his wings again on the touring front. I can honestly say that he never sounded better!
Having two of the most respected and amazing blues guitarists on the planet in the same band doesn’t hurt either. Derek Trucks, who is known for using the slide for most of his guitar playing, was in top form. He played off both Allman’s keys and his fellow guitarist Warren Haynes. Warren was the star of the show, not only with his playing, he also added lead vocals on “School Girl” and harmonies when needed. Haynes and Allman traded vocal verses on “Soulshine.”
It was a real treat to see both of these Hall of Fame acts on one bill. The show wasn’t sold out but the people who came definitely enjoyed music from two (2) worthy Hall of Fame bands!
Allman Brothers Set List:
One Way Out
Statesboro
Hot’Lanta
Woman Across the River
Midnight Rider
Black Hearted Woman
School Girl
Trouble No More
Done Somebody Wrong
Soulshine
Dreams Jessica
Encore:
Whipping Post
Santana Set List:
Pigs Snout/Jingo
Coazon Espinado
Incident at Neshabur
BMW/Gypsy Queen
Oye Como Va
Maria Maria
Foo Foo
Europa
Batuka/No One to Depend On
Evil Ways/A Love Supreme
Smooth/Dame Tu Amor
Encore:
*Woodstock Chant*
Soul Sacrifice
Toussaint L’ Overture
We would like to thank Lynn McDonell from Livenation for assisting BackstageAxxess in reviewing the show.
