Gregg Allman has returned after 14 years and released an amazing collection of blues tunes with one original song, co-written with Allman Brothers band mate Warren Haynes for good measure.

The album almost didn’t happen, as Allman was reluctant to enter the studio since his friend and long time producer Tom Dowd passed away. At his manager’s insistence, Allman met with T. Bone Burnet. They got along good enough that T. Bone gave Gregg a list of blues tunes and told him to pick out the ones that spoke to him. Allman did and went into the studio to create Low Country Blues. The result was a # 5 spot on Billboards Album Chart the first week of the album’s release, Allman’s highest solo charting position of his 40+year career.

The album, interrupted by Allman’s successful liver transplant, is a treasure trove of reworked blues rarities. Allman chose to put his personal touch on each tune and thank god he did, as that is what makes this album work. Sleepy John Estes’ “Floating Bridge” starts off the album and one can feel Allman’s vocals resonate deep within one’s soul. Skip James “Devil Got My Woman” is another track that is infectious leaving one unsatisfied even after a dozen listens. Other great tracks include “Just Another Rider,” co-written with Haynes, “Rolling Stone,” “Tears Tears Tears,” “I Believe I’ll Go Back Home” and BB King’s “Please Accept My Love.

Even the album artwork is breathtaking, which is hard to do on a tiny CD cover. Look close and you will recognize this from a scene from a Tom Hanks movie…just think, “Run Forest Run.”