Dickey Betts

Live From the Lone Star Roadhouse New York City 1988

RockBeat Records

 The guitarist, composer, and singer born Forrest Richard Betts wore all kinds of musical hats quite strikingly prior to his passing earlier this year at the age of 80. Inspired by bluegrass, country, and Western swing as a child, Dickey Betts went on to play exceptionally lyrical rock guitar next to Duane Allman in The Allman Brothers Band. As Richard Betts, he returned to his roots, playing “Great American” music with the likes of fiddler Vassar Clements. A short time later, he launched Dickey Betts & Great Southern to further the southern and country-tinged rock music that the Allman Brothers had begun playing in the early 1970s. And for a very short time in the late 1980s, The Dickey Betts Band put a hard-edged spin on new songs and several Betts classics from throughout his career.

Live From the Lone Star Roadhouse New York City 1988 presents the entire show that the Dickey Betts Band performed at the iconic venue, as broadcast live on WNEW. Five of the songs were quickly gathered on an EP sent out to promote the band’s then-new album, Pattern Disruptive. On the 30^th anniversary of the show, a vinyl album was issued on Record Store Day, collecting nine of its 16 songs. This full set, including an encore section featuring guests Rick Derringer, Jack Bruce, and Mick Taylor, sounds superb for its radio source. Only an amp glitch in the opening “Rock Bottom,” a self-reflective rocker penned with guitarist Warren Haynes and keyboardist Johnny Neel, and again in Betts’ country stompin’ “Loverman,” each from Pattern Disruptive and played with vigor, blemish the presentation. That the album omits the word Band in the billing does confound, given the intent of Pattern Disruptive, and the tightknit songwriting and performances by Betts, Haynes, Neel, bassist Marty Privette, and drummer Matt Abts.

Riding a resurgence in popularity for this kind of music, the Dickey Betts Band lasted only one year because on the strength, performance style, and fit of Haynes and Neel, the Allman Brothers would quickly reunite with them in tow. You can hear the embryonic takes here on songs the Allmans would once again play, and how they played them. The first of several of Betts’ signature Allman songs arrives early in a stout, but no less beautiful, “Blue Sky.” His colorful instrumentals pieces, “Jessica” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” are among the most transcendent ever written. While this band’s presentations of them pack new punches, they just as well display the exquisite, complimentary guitar and piano playing by Betts, Haynes, and Neel that the songs demand.

“Time to Roll,” another Betts/Haynes/Neel salvo from Pattern Disruptive, has Haynes singing lead and playing guitar in dangerous tones, an early example of why he’s become the star that he is today. “Duane’s Tune,” a driving Betts instrumental written for Duane Allman, may not live up to his best, but it still impresses by its dramatically shifting melody and expertly delivered, exciting solos.

Rick Derringer joins the band for “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo,” his signature song that name-checks the Jokers, a group of Florida teens led by none other than Dickey Betts. surprising, appropriate, and not mentioned. The two titans of British blues-rock, Mr. Taylor and the late Mr. Bruce, step up for a deliciously marauding, decidedly Cream-like take on Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful.” Bruce, besides having been a bass player noted for incorporated jazz into his thwack, was also one of the best, most distinctive of rock’s great singers.

No matter the context, Dickey Betts could always be counted on to perform songs and play guitar that fit the time and the place. He sounds wonderful here. Hopefully, this fine album is only the beginning of a long celebration of an historic artist.

Tom Clarke for MAS

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter