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Hittin' the Note #76 - 2013

Greetings everyone,

      Welcome to Hittin' the Note's inaugural issue for 2013, and what an issue it is. We always bring you the best of the music that matters, but this time we went a little further, and we're certain that you will enjoy #76 immensely.
      After years of painstaking effort and perseverance, Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective, has been released. This labor of love was brought to fruition by Duane's daughter, Galadrielle, and her fellow co-producer Bill Levenson; and it certainly has been worth the wait. Skydog is a 129-track, seven-disc comprehensive collection of the best work Duane Allman recorded during his brief but spectacular career. From the Escorts and the Allman Joys to the tremendous body of his studio sessions through the Allman Brothers Band, Skydog captures the essence of the legendary guitarist. E.J. Devokaitis spoke at length to Galadrielle and Bill about Skydog, and what they had to say is incredibly revealing and insightful. We are proud that Galadrielle chose Hittin' the Note to grant her first-ever extensive interview, and special thanks go to her, Bill and E.J. for making this one happen - it is a special read about a special man.
      Guitarist Neal Casal is continuing to broaden his impact on the jam scene; last year he released the brilliant Sweeten the Distance, and his recent stint as lead guitarist for the Chris Robinson Brotherhood only increased the buzz about his playing. During an off-day on the last CRB tour, Frank Etheridge chatted with Neal about his life, his musical philosophy and his desire to play the perfect chord.
      Founding Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks always is looking for new challenges and projects, and that is why he is so excited about the upcoming Root Rocks Revival, a five-day event that will be held in early June at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY. Butch will be teaming with ABB bassist Oteil Burbridge and Luther and Cody Dickinson from the North Mississippi Allstars for a series of lectures, clinics and, most importantly, some killer jam sessions that will make for a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. Butch also shared his enthusiasm about the pending release of 40, the spectacular DVD that captures all the power and majesty of the Allman Brothers Band's 40th anniversary performance held on March 26, 2009, at New York's historic Beacon Theatre. As Butch tells us, 40 is one for the ages.
      Over our last three issues, guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnston has provided HTN with "The Doobies," Tom's look back at the history of the Doobie Brothers, the band he helped create in 1970. Our final installment covers the last 25 years of the group, and as usual, Tom was open and honest. This series has been a privilege to do, and our appreciation goes to Tom for making the time to do this with Hittin' the Note.
      Singer/songwriter Jason Isbell isn't one to spent time looking back; he always is moving forward, both in his music and his personal life. Since leaving the Drive-By Truckers in 2007, he has assembled the 400 Unit, a supremely-talented group, and last year released Live From Alabama, which captures the essence of a 400 Unit performance. Speaking to Brian Robbins, Jason shared his thoughts on being clean and sober and how a clear mind has influenced both his music and his personal life.
      Jim Dolan is best known for his role as Executive Chairman of the Madison Square Garden Company, which includes ownership of the iconic Garden, the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre. Jim also has a passion for playing music, and thoroughly relishes his role as frontman of JD & the Straight Shot, a blues/rock project that recently released the album Midnight Run. We hope you enjoy this unique look at the other side of Jim Dolan, as told to Joe Bell.
      Also included in this issue are the usuals: "Compact Dreams" by Tom Clarke and Jamie Lee's "In Tune" plus our "HTN 6-Packs" and reviews of some stellar CDs. In addition, we have Tom Clarke's take on Prisoner of Southern Rock, the provocative new book by legendary music journalist Michael Buffalo Smith.
      That will do it for this one; looking ahead to May, our cover story will be on Gov't Mule's new album, and we'll also have features on Jackie Greene, Oteil Burbridge and a whole lot more. As always we appreciate your support, and hope you enjoy reading Hittin' the Note as much as we enjoy bringing it to you, because it's all about music that matters.










                                                                                                     Until later,
                                                                                                     John Lynskey
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