The ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND is celebrating indie record stores with the exclusive limited release of Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972 this Record Store Day Black Friday, November 29. First released in January 2024 on CD and digital via the Allman Brothers Band Recording Company, Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972 is now available as a special numbered limited edition (6,000 units) 3-LP package on Syracuse Orange, Syracuse Blue, and Splatter Orange/Blue clear vinyl. Available only at participating stores as part of Record Store Day, find stores and more info at recordstoreday.com and take a look at the unique vinyl pressing process here.
Pulled from the original source recording and remastered, Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972 has been widely circulated as a fan-favorite radio broadcast bootleg for years. However, this release is the first to include the complete show with the highest audio quality preserved from the direct source.
Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972
Record Store Day Black Friday Exclusive available at indie record stores now:
https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/18323
On April 7, 1972, the Allman Brothers Band performed at Manley Field House on the campus of Syracuse University. Coming shortly after the sudden passing of band leader Duane Allman in October 1971, this show captured a rare, brief, and emotionally charged “Five-Man Band” period. The lineup featured only five original members—Gregg Allman on vocals and keyboards, Dickey Betts on guitar, Berry Oakley on bass, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe.
The performance at Manley Field House, the school’s indoor track and field facility, was recorded and simulcast on Syracuse University’s WAER college radio station on the night of the show. It was subsequently rebroadcast by WAER and some of its former staff members as they moved on in their radio careers. The recording was made with the ABB’s cooperation and authorization using an auxiliary mixing board on the side of the stage, fed directly from the ABB sound desk.
The 11-track collection includes set staples from this period, such as the show opener “Statesboro Blues,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Midnight Rider,” and “Whipping Post.” It also features “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” from their then-newly released album Eat a Peach. The inclusion of “Syracuse Jam,” appearing here for the first time, showcases the band’s signature improvisational jamming style and is unique in that it does not exist in any other known ABB recording.
Jeff Chard, SU concert coordinator in 1971-72, reflects fondly on that night and shares his sentiments in the album package’s liner notes:
“This was the Five-Man Band, as Brother Duane had passed just over five months prior. The quintet had pushed on, playing some 41 shows in 22 weeks. This night saw Gregg singing and playing his heart out, while Dickey Betts was doing phenomenal double duty on guitar, switching seamlessly between the necessary slide parts and his own soaring leads. But the real revelation of the night is that Berry is the glue, and the second lead player as well. His thunderous bass holds the quintet together—you’ll hear it, and we could see it that night. Then there’s the way Butch Trucks and Jaimoe lock in on the drums, the way the whole unit responds, five playing as one.
“It was a memorable but brief time for the band. Six months later, keyboardist Chuck Leavell was added to the group, making the ABB six players strong again, only to lose Berry in another motorcycle accident on November 11, 1972. Shortly thereafter, Lamar Williams took over bass duties, and the Allman Brothers Band began a new musical chapter. But for that one year, with the five original men still standing—and especially on that magical April night in Syracuse—we surely felt the spirit. Best damn band we’re ever gonna hear, indeed! We were all believers, and this CD is a testament to those words.”
In a live review of the show for Syracuse University’s student newspaper The Daily Orange, writer Bruce Apar noted:
“The Allman Band itself was thoroughly remarkable, leaving proof in still another city that they have developed into a supreme group, by which lesser talents can be judged.” (The Daily Orange, April 11, 1972)
Manley Field House, Syracuse University, April 7, 1972 Track List:
Side One:
Introduction
Statesboro Blues
Done Somebody Wrong
Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More
Side Two:
One Way Out
Stormy Monday
Side Three:
You Don’t Love Me
Side Four:
In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
Midnight Rider
Side Five:
Whipping Post
Side Six:
Syracuse Jam
Hot ‘Lant
