Release date announced for Dickey Betts 'Ramblin' Man Live' CD/DVD

The new Dickey Betts Band, which debuted last year at the White Buffalo Saloon near Betts' Sarasota County home, has been beautifully captured on a CD/DVD to be released by BMG.

Documenting a 90-minute performance at a historic venue in New York City, "Ramblin' Man Live at the St. George Theatre" will be available July 12 on Blu-ray, CD and vinyl. The show was recorded and filmed July 21, 2018.

Dickey Betts, who turned 75 in December, performs with backing by his former Great Southern band mates: son Duane Betts (lead guitar), Frankie Lombardi (drums, backup vocals), Mike Kach (keyboards and lead vocals) and Pedro Arevalo (bass); as well as equally talented new additions Damon Fowler (lead/slide guitar and vocals) and Steve Camilleri (drums).

All of the musicians have deep ties to the Sarasota area and the chemistry between the seven men propels a setlist that includes material Dickey Betts had not performed for nearly two decades before launching his 2018 tour.

Songs making their debut on a Betts release include the opener “Hot ‘Lanta,” which Dickey composed with his Allman Brothers Band mates for their iconic 1971 double album "At Fillmore East," as well as two tributes to his longtime band mate Gregg Allman, who passed in 2017. The first, “Midnight Rider,” features Gregg's son, Devon Allman, on lead vocals. Later in the show, Betts pays homage to Gregg again, this time with a riveting performance of "Whipping Post," this time with Kach delivering the timeless lyrics.  

The show concludes with Dickey, who's enjoying retirement these days at home on Little Sarasota Bay, leading the band through two of his most beloved compositions.

In my liner notes for the upcoming release, I describe the rendition of "Ramblin' Man," as "an unhurried, soulful makeover with ample room for his twangy guitar riffs to shine through like rays of Florida sunshine."

In related news, mark your calendar for June 28. That's when the Allman Betts Band, featuring a core lineup of Devon Allman and Duane Betts with Venice resident Berry Duane Oakley on bass, release their highly anticipated debut album "Down to the River," also on BMG.

"Ramblin' Man Live at the St. George Theatre"

1. “Hot ‘Lanta”

2. "Blue Sky"

3. “Statesboro Blues”

4. "Midnight Rider" with special guest Devon Allman

5. “My Getaway”

6. “Nothing You Can Do”

7. “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed”

8. "Whipping Post"

9. “Ramblin’ Man”

10. “Jessica”