To those in the know, this was a ticket to jump on, and, indeed, enough did just that to disappoint others who later found it sold out. From the Earth Brewing‘s Back Porch concert series may not be familiar to some in the Atlanta rea. The “back porch” is suggestive in differentiating the location of the event from the more intimate environment within the Roswell brewery where they host bands throughout the year. The stage sits behind the brewery, tucked into the rear parking lot of a neighboring golf retailer, creating a surprisingly comfortable concert setting.
For those considering a future event, the likely will allow a limited number of carry-in seats, but there is a limit, which was disclosed, and some late arrivals seemed surprised. Seat placement areas are to the rear or off to the side, and the stage may not be viewable due to others standing in front or the angle to the stage. Otherwise, the lot is nicely sloped facing the stage and is spacious, which provides ample room to find a spot to watch the action.
The evening could not have been much better for an outdoor concert in Atlanta. The pleasant weather felt fitting for a gathering of musicians whose careers have been woven into the fabric of Southern rock, blues, jazz and Americana for decades.
Chuck Leavell is best known as the keyboardist/pianist for The Allman Brothers Band through their early-70’s peak, and some may note his keyboard presence, and indeed, music director role, for The Rolling Stones since 1982. He also formed a prog-jazz band, Sea Level (get it?), in the late 70’s, and has played with many artists through the years. His forestry and environmental interests are enjoyably featured in a documentary, Chuck Leavell: The Tree Man.
Randall Bramblett’s path has frequently intersected with Leavell’s. A product of the same tightly knit Macon, Georgia music scene, Bramblett joined Sea Level in 1977 and has since built a remarkable career that includes work with The Gregg Allman Band, The Allman Brothers Band, Steve Winwood, Widespread Panic, Gov’t Mule and Drive-By Truckers. His own band remains one of the hardest-working outfits on the road, featuring the outstanding guitarist Nick Johnson.
The setlist reflected much of that shared history. Leavell and Bramblett sat across from one another at piano and keyboards, occasionally swapping positions, while Bramblett frequently stepped forward with alto or soprano saxophone in hand. The interplay between the musicians felt less like a formal performance and more like old friends revisiting chapters of a well-traveled musical journey.
There were stories shared, such as missing Johnnie Allan and Dr. John, New Orleans artists who respectively brought swamp pop and voodoo rock as regional styles, before leaning into a tribute to Dr. John, “Throw My Cane Away.” It’s easy to just enjoy the music, but musicologists know there are so many stories behind these artists and their songs. Rick Beato, are you listening?
“One Way Out,” “Jessica” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” were obvious highlights, with the latter expanding into an extended jam packed with piano, saxophone and guitar solos. Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” arrived as an unexpected detour, featuring a moody or jazzy piano exploration from Leavell before Johnson delivered the song’s signature guitar heroics. It was undeniably enjoyable, though it remained something of an outlier amid the blues, jazz and Southern rock foundations that defined the evening.
This was a rare opportunity to see these icons play a full set of music from their shared history. Hearing them play was priceless, but the memory is more likely to recall the joy the musicians found in playing together. A one-off? Hard to imagine. Hopefully the photos capture the spirit of this moment.
Setlist:
Encore:
