Mountain Jam

The Allman Brothers Band, 1972, from Eat a Peach. Solo by Duane Allman, Dickey Betts.

A long improvisation on a Donovan tune that shows the two guitarists thinking as one unit.

Built on the melody of Donovan's There Is a Mountain, this long improvisation from Eat a Peach shows how far the Allman Brothers Band could take a simple folk tune. Duane Allman and Dickey Betts pass the lead back and forth, sometimes harmonising, sometimes playing counterlines that feel like finishing each other's sentences. The piece moves through bright, sunny sections, a drum feature and a more searching middle before the theme returns. Duane's slide work is especially striking, with glassy, vocal phrasing that sits right on the edge of pitch. It stands as one of the clearest records of the original band's chemistry. Listen for how often the two guitarists echo a phrase the other just played, twisting it slightly before handing it back.

Mountain Jam by The Allman Brothers Band is featured in our Jam (#5), Southern Rock (#17) lists. The solo is played by Duane Allman, Dickey Betts and the song was released in 1972.

In our lists

• Beyond the Canon — #37
• The 25 Greatest Jam Band Guitar Solos — #5
• The 25 Greatest Southern Rock Guitar Solos — #17
• Greatest Live Solos — #21
• The Best The Allman Brothers Band Guitar Solos — #10
• The Best Duane Allman Guitar Solos — #5

Sources