In Memory of Elizabeth Reed

The Allman Brothers Band, 1971, from At Fillmore East. Solo by Duane Allman, Dickey Betts.

The Fillmore East version set a template for jam bands: a composed theme that opens into long, conversational solos.

Dickey Betts wrote the tune, but on At Fillmore East it becomes a group conversation that runs far beyond the studio version. The composed theme, played in harmony by the two guitars, sets up a jazz-influenced modal groove, and each soloist gets real room to stretch. Betts favours bright, melodic lines with a lot of major-key sweetness, while Duane Allman builds tension with stinging repeated notes and sudden leaps up the neck. The band behind them rises and falls with every idea, which is why this track became a template for how improvising rock bands could work. Listen for the moments when the drummers and bass lock onto a guitarist's rhythmic figure and push it higher, turning a phrase into a whole new section.

In Memory of Elizabeth Reed by The Allman Brothers Band is featured in our Jam (#2), Southern Rock (#3) lists. The solo is played by Duane Allman, Dickey Betts and the song was released in 1971.

In our lists

• Beyond the Canon — #8
• The 25 Greatest Jam Band Guitar Solos — #2
• The 25 Greatest Southern Rock Guitar Solos — #3
• Greatest Live Solos — #19
• The Best The Allman Brothers Band Guitar Solos — #2
• The Best Duane Allman Guitar Solos — #3
• The Best Dickey Betts Guitar Solos — #2

Sources