The Other Brothers pay tribute to The Allman Brothers Band Thursday
Courtesy photo
The last show of the Hot Summer Nights series at Ford Amphitheater closes out Thursday evening with a band that’ll help your “Soul Shine.” The Other Brothers features renowned Colorado musicians honoring one of America’s greatest musical legacies: The Allman Brothers Band.
Both keyboardist Bill McKay and bass player Todd Smallie have toured with Derek Trucks Band, and McKay has shared the stage with Gregg Allman, whom he takes on the role of masterfully. While John Michel won’t be there because he’s touring with John Oates Band, drummers Mark Levy of Circles Around the Sun and Will Trask of High Hawks and guitarists James Dumm (Johnny & The Mongrels) and Rob Eaton Jr. (Brother’s Keeper) round out the group.
“We’ve put together an all-star lineup,” McKay said, adding that the Allman Brothers Band is a group close to all of their hearts. “We do not take it on as just another cover band. It’s a full-on version of The Allman Brothers in the ’90s. It’s a powerhouse kind of band — a high-energy tribute to the Allman Brothers treated with a lot of respect. Greg Allman is one of my all-time heroes. I played with him a few times, and I’ve always been a huge fan. I don’t try to emulate Greg, but we take it really seriously. We try to encapsulate the vibe and the energy of The Allman Brothers Band.”
The Other Brothers doesn’t perform often, as each member remains busy with their own projects. McKay and Dumm first put the band together in 2017 to celebrate their birthdays, which both occur in late September.
“We play a handful of times a year. We’re so busy, so it’s nice when it lines up,” Dumm said, adding, “Every time I play with Bill, I learn something, or he does something that makes everyone’s jaw drop. He’s just a world-class performer.”
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Though the band doesn’t have much time for rehearsals, they each hold an expectation and deep trust that everyone comes prepared, much like a sports team. It also helps that most of the band members have known each other for many years — sometimes since high school.
“It’s like a different kind of intensity when you come together,” Dumm said, comparing it to the level of trust a group of trapeze artists might have. “Everyone’s badass in their own lane.”
Audiences can expect to hear the greatest hits, as well as Allman Brothers Band music they won’t hear anywhere else.
“We cover different eras in two hours,” Dumm said. “It’s a good mix.”
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