Greg Allman & Friends

Other than his brief stint in the '70s as Cher's main squeeze, Gregg Allman's notoriety outside the outfit that bears his family name has been through his parallel solo career. This, in turn, is further subdivided into two entities: the Gregg Allman Band and a second, seemingly more casual "& Friends" lineup. It's this latter moniker that the jam band vocal and keyboard icon is currently running with.

Highlighting Allman's supporting cast is blues/fusion guitar whiz Robben Ford, a man of no slouchy résumé. Ford has rubbed musical shoulders with the likes of Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, and George Harrison, was a member of the commercially hot fusion act the Yellowjackets, and has banged out a very respectable solo catalog. Bassist Willie Weeks has funked-up sessions for David Bowie, among others. Percussionist/vocalist Floyd Miles has waxed his own work for R&B indie Ichiban.

While Allman hasn't released anything as a solo artist in a good while, he claims to have no problem with fans taping his shows (provided the venue permits it). Reports from the field are that Allman's current set list includes a handful of rearranged Allman Brothers Band classics, so "Whipping Post" is a safe bet.