Dickey Betts and The Great American Music Show
December 14, 1974
Winterland, San Francisco
California

Set 1:
01. Introduction / Rain       4:58
02. Blue Sky             11:05
03. Hide Away             9:11
04. Hand Picked          13:54
05. Long Time Gone          5:32
06. Southbound             9:06

Set 2:
07. Old Joe Clark          1:47
08. Salty Dog Blues          3:13
09. Carolina             2:24
10. Rollin' In My Sweet BabyÂ’s Arms   3:29
11. Hard Time Blues          4:05
12. Orange Blossom Special       3:08
13. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed      41:19
14. Ramblin' Man          7:59
15. Jessica             12:16


Lineup:
-Dickey Betts - guitar, dobro, vocals
-Jeff Hanna - guitar
-Spooner Oldham - organ
-Vassar Clements - violin
-John Hughey - pedal steel guitar
-Oscar Underwood Adams - mandolin
-Stray Straton - bass, vocals
-Bonnie Bramlett - vocals, percussion
-Jerry Jumonville - alto saxophone
-David Walshaw - drums, percussion
-Jerry Thompson - drums
-Leon Poindexter - acoustic guitar
-Walter Poindexter - banjo
-Frank Poindexter - dobro

By 1974, in large part due to Dickey Betts, Capricorn Records and the Allman Brothers Band were experiencing
a success more lucrative than anyone could have dreamed. Betts, as a result, found himself free to pursue
almost anything he desired musically, without having to worry about finances in the least. The situation allowed
him to record his first solo album, Highway Call, and to perform with countless great musicians for the pure joy
of playing, without any expectations of making money in the process. Over the course of the previous year, Betts
had found a true, authentic voice, and had begun to distinguish himself within the ABB as a unique stylist, blending
his love for country, bluegrass, western swing, jazz and rock into a style utterly his own - and one that would
soon prove highly influential on all the Southern Rock bands that followed in the Allman Brothers' wake.

BettsÂ’ Great American Music Show featured many of the players from his solo album, including the greatest
fiddle player of his generation, Vassar Clements. Both the Poindexters and the legendary Spooner Oldham were
also on board, and all these musicians combined to create a show that authentically traced the history of
American music. Betts begins this Winterland show by showcasing his more acoustic side, with plenty of tight
harmonies, sweet picking and relaxed communication between the musicians. Several of the best new songs from
BettsÂ’ solo effort are included, including "Rain," "Long Time Gone" and the superb "Hand Picked." The classic
instrumental "Hideaway," as well as Allman Brothers' favorites "Blue Sky" and "Southbound," are given this
new treatment with great success. Betts, Clements and the Poindexters then venture into historic American
music and straight bluegrass for half a dozen songs, beginning with vintage material like "Old Joe Clark"
and "Salty Dog," and closing with Vassar Clements raising the roof on "Orange Blossom Special."
The set's closer, for which the ensemble goes electric, is perhaps its most interesting and exciting moment.
This 40 minute version of "Elizabeth Reed" has to be one of the most expansive versions ever played, and is
almost beyond description. Everyone in the ensemble gets several chances to shine on this unbelievable jam.
All the elements that influence BettsÂ’ music are represented, from jazz to rock to bluegrass and back. This
version literally has it all, and stays amazingly cohesive and inspired throughout. The audience demands more,
and the band returns for an encore consisting of the obligatory "Ramblin Man" followed by another of BettsÂ’
most requested numbers, "Jessica." This lovely instrumental showcases the inventive playing of this large
ensemble, and ventures into new areas only hinted at in versions with the Allman Brothers.
This is one of the finest examples recorded of musicians playing for the sheer joy of music, with no egos or
financial concerns getting in the way. Touring this type of show was destined to be a monstrous
undertaking - and ultimately a financial disaster - but thankfully, for a brief time in 1974, none of that
seemed to matter.


