We named our daughter Jessica Paige after this song. I would listen to this when I was pregnant with her, knowing that her name was going to be Jessica. Funny enough, when she was around 5 I would play it for her and she would dance and twirl in one of her favorite dresses. That little girl just got married in 2018, wearing a dress that she could dance and twirl in to this song. Full circle moments...
Naming your daughter after an Allman Brothers song makes you awesome on another level. Dancing to it at her wedding must have been a once in a lifetime moment
Wow, that's a great story. I have wonderful memories of this song, too. I always associate it with long, warm summer college days driving down some back road with all the windows down, heading to the lake with my girlfriend.....
"Jessica" is my favorite rock instrumental, by a country mile, and one of my very favorite rock songs of all time. This song has been with me, and encouraged me, in happy times, and very hard times, and everything in between. I can't even express how much I love it. Absolutely, an S-tier song for me.
Out of all the great tunes by this band this is my favorite. Riding in car through woods windows down speakers cranked banging on dashboard. Every time I played this.
Us Melissas loathed Sweet Melissa cuz everyone called me that. Ugh. It was hard to listen to tho now I appreciate it. However I am a huge Allman Brothers fan.
Absolutely right about this song. If I am in the car when this playing it gets cranked up regardless of what version it is. Especially if it’s Dickie and Warren!
Watching you guys react to this song, just proves what I've always said about "Jessica". Its just a JOYOUS song! You can't help but bop and nod your head and smile when you listen to it!
The great Chuck Leavell on keyboards. Closely associated with both the Allman Bros and The Rolling Stones, he's been in-demand for both studio and touring work seemingly forever with the likes of Clapton, George Harrison and many many others.
I don't know of Leavell's work other than "Brothers and Sisters." He's obviously with Mad Skills. I'd be very surprised if he's done better piano work, because his work on "Brothers and Sisters" is the best Classic Rock piano that I know of.
Ahh... Jessica. If that’s not one of the best road songs ever, then I don’t know what is. I don’t know if you ever saw the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams, but there’s a scene where he’s traveling across the country in his 1969 VW bus, and this song is playing. Perfect! Great movie by the way about baseball. The original drummer in the band Butch Trucks has a nephew named Derrick Trucks who is an amazing guitar player that has had his own band for several years and played with the Allman Brothers as well. He’s very at home with a glass slide on the guitar. Check him out. Thanks for that one guys. That song just has that vibe that starts your day off right! 🎸
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been asking reactors to react to this for a long time. My band in the 90s covered this. Challenging but fun. You can't be in a bad mood listening to this!
Also, some guitar geek info, Dickie wrote it as an homage to the great Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt in that the melody can be played with only two fingers, as Django only had two good fingers on his left hand.
The background music was just cookin'. So many levels of that song, love the depth of that song. Thanks for the reaction to such iconic, influential and diverse music.
I so miss listening to music live. Can you imagine an Allman Bros concert and this is what they play to give the leads a vocal break and to show off some musician craftsmanshift.. Very good stuff to bob your head to.
Gents, your next Allman Brothers reaction should be something from the Eat a Peach album, which many consider their best album, but I don't think you've heard anything from it yet. I'd go with either "Blue Sky" or "Melissa", but "One Way Out" is also a reasonable option.
It’s great that something so familiar to my generation is getting some attention! Every guitar lick has been implanted in my brain since I was a teenager. Currently 66 and still in love with this band
From Wikipedia - "Written by guitarist Dickey Betts, the song is a tribute to Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, in that it was designed to be played using only two fingers on the left hand. Betts wrote the majority of "Jessica" at the band's farm in Juliette, Georgia. He named it after his daughter, Jessica Betts, who was an infant when it was released. She had bounced along to the song's rhythm, and Betts attempted to capture her attitude with its melody."
You: "I'm sorry officer, I was listening to The Allman Brothers - Jessica, and didn't realize how fast I was going." Officer:"Oh, that I can totally understand. Try to be more careful next time. Move along."
The Allman brothers have had a long line of great guitarist, I think I've seen them live with a half dozen combinations and they're all phenomenal. The first time I saw them was with Duane & Dickey Betts last time I saw them was with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. They never disappointed me, the concerts were one great song after another and they were a band that performed better live than their studio work.
This is one of the greatest instrumental songs of rock and roll. This is a song you put on when you are on a road trip and it's a long drive to the next stop. An absolute masterpiece. It needs no lyrics just enjoy the music and that is music at it's best.
@@Scaramousche1955 Second that. I find dicky's solos a bit repetitive, and when they do these instrumentals, they have a hard time finding the ending. Still love the Allmans alot, though.
The man behind those keyboards is a hometown hero named Chuck Leavell. He came to Macon, GA, and joined the band after Duane's death. Married a local girl and started touring with the Rolling Stones in the 90s. He's their musical director now.
I don’t think it gets much better than this. This is the definition of music. My vote as the best band ever as well as this song. Thank you for spreading the word or in this case the notes, feelings.and musicianship. Any and all Allman Bros anytime.
Nope it's actually about his daughter. She was 1 or 2 at the time. She was bopping about the room playing while was noodling on his guitar and he came up with the main riff and most of the tune.
Love Jessica. Want to take this time to thank you guys for not stopping the music & waiting until it's over to critique. Makes the reviews more enjoyable!
FYI This is the 1st Album they did after Duane Allman's Death, Dicky Betts did a nice job filling in for Duane. From this Album Brothers And Sisters "Rambling Man" is a Favorite.
"Jessica" always puts a smile on my face. My older brother introduced me to the Allman Brothers band back in the 1970's. Took me to my first concert to see them, and I have loved them since. "Jessica" was a Dickey Betts creation, a kind of tribute to master jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, in that is was designed to be played using only two fingers on the left hand (Reinhardt has severely damaged his left 4th and 5th fingers and used his 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left hand to play guitar), and Dickey attempted to emulate or capture the jovial play and movement of his young child Jessica with his melody. Betts is a truly underrated song-writer and guitarist. Please do yourselves a favor and listen to "Blue Sky" written by Dickey about his ex, a native American named Blue Sky, a really excellent to great tune. "Melissa" sung by Gregg Allman, was Duane's favorite song written by brother Gregg, and is hauntingly beautiful and oh so melodic. Review the instrumental to which all other rock instrumentals are compared, the Allman Brothers 'In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed", also written by Dickey Betts. It was your favorite tune on the Live at the Filmore East Album, but I prefer the studio reversion off theJournalandLeavell, played piano and Les Dudek played the guitar bridge section on the Brothers and Sisters Album. A version of "Jessica" performed on An Evening with the Allman Brothers band, won a Grammy for best Rock Instrumental at the 38th Annual grammy Awards.
My birthday is today. I'm 63. This is how we keep this great music alive is young people like these guys getting exposed to it and then sharing it with others. Gives me encouragement
Dickie Betts wrote the song and named it after his daughter Jessica because she would bounce around the room when he played. He tried to capture the child’s enthusiasm and rhythm.
I used to love to play this song back in the late 70s while cruising down a Florida country road on a beautiful spring day in my jeep with the top off, and sharing all this with some friends. Time goes by like a hurricane as they sang in another song!
I think “Brothers and Sisters” is their finest album and I’m a huge ABB fan. “Jelly Jelly” and “Southbound” are both essential songs, Dickey’s soloing is phenomenal. I think we need a bit of Marshall Tucker on this channel :)
Used to work for Gateway Computers. The Company hired The Allman Brothers to play our Christmas Party in 94. They had released their "Where It All Began" LP earlier that year. What a party.
Damn hadn’t listened to this for a minute. Thanks for bringing it back for me. Before our Canadian friends get too upset April Wine is a must check out. I Like To Rock is a good place to start. Canada is much more than just Rush.
@@elfinmagic5037 🙂 I don’t. (I know all the words to “I will play a rhapsody”) There are still so many guitar heavy rock songs, and classic bands (like April Wine) and iconic songwriters, they still haven’t done, that I try to be patient when they’ve done a couple from one of my favorites within the past couple of months. ✌🏽
It’s just a beautiful song. You get lost in the sauce in the first 30 seconds and don’t want to snap back to reality. Jessica was a special song and woman.
I was 14 when it was released, and frankly I just took a lot of music for granted. It was. Thanks to the people requesting. Good to see a first time reaction by the guys. Definitely should be in the A & A musical lexicon. Happy to hear that "S tier", Andy.
Loved checking this out!! If you missed us doing a full album dive for their Filmore East Live record here’s the link, it’s on Patreon for free! www.patreon.com/posts/42045196
February, Black History month, back from New Orleans and no funk?????!!!!!!!!! Sly and Family Stone(Thank You(falletme be mice elf agin) circa 70 Funkiest song ever written.
I haven’t finished watching yet and I have never seen y’all so animated and into a record before. Love it! You get it! I have heard this 100’s of times and still can’t sit still while listening. Thank you Dickey, for writing this 🔊🔊🔊
I've always felt this was THE best song to throw on when driving or especially starting a long drive (assuming you're not going to a funeral or to the hospital). The soaring guitar, the honky-tonk piano and an infectious gliding rhythm that makes it impossible to not tap a foot on the floor makes this THE song start a journey in a positive mood. In the movie, Field of Dreams, this was the soundtrack over a montage of road trip scenes through several states so at least one other person in this world agrees with me. On a side note, I was surprised neither Andy or Alex mentioned the incredible bass line that made this song's rhythm so fluid.
Chuck Leavell on piano joined the band after Duane Allman's death. Blue Sky off the Eat A Peach album is another Dickey Betts tune similar to the feel of this song that also features him rather than Gregg Allman on vocals. One of the last songs that Duane was on prior to his death. Great guitar work by both.
okay, so now that you've done with fun and upbeat "Jessica" you guys should really do "Sweet Melissa" It has emotional lyrics, gusty vocals, and smooth guitar solo that takes you 'there'.
It has fantastic energy and groove. The melody is compelling. The arrangement unfolds to a fantastic improvisation on piano then guitar. All the while the bass and drums drive the song forward. Then together the whole band brings the song back to the opening theme to bring Jessica home. After all it's The Allman Brothers Band. They kick ass.
Everyone's always talked about the Guitars with the allman brothers rightfully. But the duel drummers really shines here along with the keyboards! Excellent!
Great song! I have been listening to this since it came out and it is so good that this is the first time that I snapped that it was completely instrumental. WOW!
I normally just throw my music on shuffle during road trips, listening to whatever comes on, but Jessica is always the opener. Something about that song just gets me ready to go.
I lived in a bachelor pad in my post-college days in the 90s. We used to have parties every few months and had upwards of 100-120 people there, mostly dancing to disco or just "dance music" of the time. I'll never forget putting this on and watching everyone just boogie down to some southern rock! Priceless! Definitely an S-tier moment and I'll take this over FREEBIRD! any day. :)
Dickey Betts was inspired to write this instrumental while watching his daughter Jessica play, there are many other excellent instrumentals like In Memory of Elizabeth Reed and Hot 'Lanta that should be heard. I'm pretty sure that a live version of this song won a Grammy
Dickie Betts is an amazing country guitarist who managed to keep his identity while playing in a blues-rock band. His guitar work is incredible - his songwriting every bit as much so!
I was born an raised in the north. I spent twenty years in north Georgia. I grew tired if some of the southern fried rock bands, but never grew tired of the Allman Brothers Band. As a matter of fact, I named my daughter Jessica, partly because of this song.
Dickie B set the bar on a song with no lyrics. At age 63 there’s not been a single time in my life, where I’ve heard these first dozen notes, and didn’t sit, smile, play air guitar, and wish I was in my room in the fraternity house with my buds, partying to this classic. One of the best ever.
Melissa, top-notch ballad w/top-notch Gregg Allman vocal. Also Don't Want You No More/It's Not My Cross to Bear, definite banger with (what else?) a top-notch Gregg Allman vocal.
Thank you for that reaction. As a fan of “the Brothers” since their inception, the death of Duane Allman had many thinking the magic would be gone. This album, and the addition of Chuck Leavell added to their sound and maintained their leadership of the Southern Rock genre.
You all have to do Blue Sky - it is just gorgeous. Wonderful feel, sweet positive lyrics, and superb guitar work. My favorite ABB song, though there are so many to choose from!
I didn't, I named my first born, a daughter, Jessica out of respect and love of for my father whose name was Jesse, but still people would say, "Oh like the Allman Brothers tune?" and I would answer "No, like the name Jessica that is hundreds of years old."
@@markburrows1179 That is a lovely story. My parents didn't name me after the song, but I personally know 6 Jessica's that were born between 75 and 82 named Jessica and it's because of this song
100k any Day Now 🙌🏾🗣Let’s Goooooo!
Nice to see you enjoy these guys also bro . But I love you ... John B.
Me too - Jamel is one of my favorite people, not just as a reactor. I would
love to have him as a friend, if I didn’t live 3,000 miles away.
You tell ‘em Dude!!! Love you too.
@@johnb2905 add me to that list.
@@willasacco9898 Agreed. I'd ride with him.
We named our daughter Jessica Paige after this song. I would listen to this when I was pregnant with her, knowing that her name was going to be Jessica. Funny enough, when she was around 5 I would play it for her and she would dance and twirl in one of her favorite dresses. That little girl just got married in 2018, wearing a dress that she could dance and twirl in to this song. Full circle moments...
Naming your daughter after an Allman Brothers song makes you awesome on another level. Dancing to it at her wedding must have been a once in a lifetime moment
We did the same... But chose "Melissa".
I was driving OTR truck back then, so it just made sense. It was her "Go-to" bedtime song for years. ;-)
Wow, that's a great story. I have wonderful memories of this song, too. I always associate it with long, warm summer college days driving down some back road with all the windows down, heading to the lake with my girlfriend.....
I win! LOL just kidding. My oldest daughter was named after Jessica and My youngest was named after Melissa
@@stevenseul361 You have great taste Sir! I love Melissa also, but we already had a niece named Melissa. After that, I had two sons.
Another great song from them: Melissa! Beautiful song!
Gregg Allman's vocals on "Melissa" - as the boys would say, "impeccable."
Love Sweet Melissa... Slow and sweet. 🌷
Yes! My very favorite Allman Brothers song!
Yes was going to recommend Melissa.
@@allisonreed7682 Mine, too.
"Jessica" is my favorite rock instrumental, by a country mile, and one of my very favorite rock songs of all time. This song has been with me, and encouraged me, in happy times, and very hard times, and everything in between. I can't even express how much I love it. Absolutely, an S-tier song for me.
Out of all the great tunes by this band this is my favorite. Riding in car through woods windows down speakers cranked banging on dashboard. Every time I played this.
Us Melissas loathed Sweet Melissa cuz everyone called me that. Ugh. It was hard to listen to tho now I appreciate it. However I am a huge Allman Brothers fan.
Same here.
Absolutely right about this song. If I am in the car when this playing it gets cranked up regardless of what version it is. Especially if it’s Dickie and Warren!
Likewise. It's not even close.
To me, Jessica & Blue Sky are ultimate 'feel good' songs. They never get old.
And Soulshine for me
Yes, I agree two feel good songs for me as well
Rollin863 Sandy “Blue Sky” just posted a wonderful old picture of her holding Jessica with Greg in the background. Wish I could share it with y’all!
I can describe the feeling of this song with just one word: Joy.
or "Glad"? he offered, pushing again for the lads to dive back into Traffic, with it segueing into Freedom Rider as they do on John Barleycorn.
This is forever for me a “drive in your car with the top down and volume blasting” song. Be it a highway or country road, just enjoy the ride!
YES!
Exactly what I was going to say. My favorite instrumental.
Hello Pretty 💖
Yup. Best road song of all time.
Drive til yo get where you're going....then pass it by and drive some more.
A 7-minute _instrumental_, and that grin didn't leave Andy's face for a _second_.
So much sauce, and so much *fun*. Such a great song!
Watching you guys react to this song, just proves what I've always said about "Jessica". Its just a JOYOUS song! You can't help but bop and nod your head and smile when you listen to it!
Pure Prairie League, Amie, is a great song as well.
I absolutely adore that song. It’s a must to hear Fallin In and Out of Love and Amie together.
Amen
The great Chuck Leavell on keyboards. Closely associated with both the Allman Bros and The Rolling Stones, he's been in-demand for both studio and touring work seemingly forever with the likes of Clapton, George Harrison and many many others.
And Sea Level (c leavell).
I don't know of Leavell's work other than "Brothers and Sisters." He's obviously with Mad Skills. I'd be very surprised if he's done better piano work, because his work on "Brothers and Sisters" is the best Classic Rock piano that I know of.
ant the Stones
@@radar0412 Sea Level is kind of jazz/Southern Rock fusion. If you're into that sort of thing. I dig it.
@@radar0412 Check out "Midnight Pass" by Sea Level to appreciate his skills even more.
I liked watching the smiles come out during the piano solo. IMHO, one of the more joy-filled passages in all of rock music.
Ahh... Jessica. If that’s not one of the best road songs ever, then I don’t know what is. I don’t know if you ever saw the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams, but there’s a scene where he’s traveling across the country in his 1969 VW bus, and this song is playing. Perfect! Great movie by the way about baseball. The original drummer in the band Butch Trucks has a nephew named Derrick Trucks who is an amazing guitar player that has had his own band for several years and played with the Allman Brothers as well. He’s very at home with a glass slide on the guitar. Check him out. Thanks for that one guys. That song just has that vibe that starts your day off right! 🎸
John, you forgot Sue to go with Derrik !
So, I wonder if that is Derrick on the cover?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been asking reactors to react to this for a long time. My band in the 90s covered this. Challenging but fun. You can't be in a bad mood listening to this!
S tier no question... this song hits differently
This song is just so much fun! I always turn it up when I hear it. I'm glad you guys liked it so well.
He was inspired to write this after watching his daughter, Jessica Betts, playing in the backyard. She was one year old.
I have been listening to this song for 35 yrs I never knew that. Thanks for the info!!’
Oh my gosh! I LOVE that. I would have never guessed. Thanks for sharing that.
I have to know that his kid has had a great life.
I did not know that either. I thought it was about a girlfriend. Thanks for the info.
Also, some guitar geek info, Dickie wrote it as an homage to the great Gypsy Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt in that the melody can be played with only two fingers, as Django only had two good fingers on his left hand.
The background music was just cookin'. So many levels of that song, love the depth of that song. Thanks for the reaction to such iconic, influential and diverse music.
I so miss listening to music live. Can you imagine an Allman Bros concert and this is what they play to give the leads a vocal break and to show off some musician craftsmanshift.. Very good stuff to bob your head to.
An instrumental y’all should definitely check out is “Green Onions” by Booker T. & the M.G.s.
Doing it live on Live From Daryl’s House with Daryl Hall and band is the best !!
An absolute classic
@@TheDivayenta that version is amazing! But I hope they enjoy the full experience first with Al Jackson, Jr., Duck Dunn, and Steve Cropper!
@@wicky4473agree 💯!
Oooo, I've got a warm spot for Roy Buchanan coverin' Green Onions; heard him do it live in NYC a lifetime ago - amazing.
Such an amazing song I’ll never forget the first time I heard it and being swept away by the solo’s
Some might argue that this is the greatest instrumental of all time, past, present and future. I would be among them.
Gents, your next Allman Brothers reaction should be something from the Eat a Peach album, which many consider their best album, but I don't think you've heard anything from it yet. I'd go with either "Blue Sky" or "Melissa", but "One Way Out" is also a reasonable option.
Don't forget about "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" off of Eat a Peach... One of my all time favorites...
Eat a Peach needs to be done in its entirety. They’ve done Filmore, so Peach must be next.
Eat A Peach - definitely my favorite Allman Brothers album!
One way Out of course
@@wicky4473 absolutely right
It’s great that something so familiar to my generation is getting some attention! Every guitar lick has been implanted in my brain since I was a teenager. Currently 66 and still in love with this band
Classic tune. The live album holds a special place in my heart, and a top spot in my vinyl section..good to see you enjoying it.❤
Been waiting for this!! Best driving song ever.
Everyone knows this song now from Top Gear! It still hasn’t ruined it for me, though. Still love it. Whiskey in hand...
Top Gear is the most popular tv show in the world!
and that sneaky appearance in the US muscle car special. What were the odds?
@@MrCthur When it was playing on the radio? It definitely still gets played on class rock stations.
England?? 🤦🏻♂️
@@mikeymckinnon5778 England and foreign countries like Scotland.
Some songs you just say “And there it is” get up and walk away in amazement.
From Wikipedia - "Written by guitarist Dickey Betts, the song is a tribute to Gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, in that it was designed to be played using only two fingers on the left hand. Betts wrote the majority of "Jessica" at the band's farm in Juliette, Georgia. He named it after his daughter, Jessica Betts, who was an infant when it was released. She had bounced along to the song's rhythm, and Betts attempted to capture her attitude with its melody."
You: "I'm sorry officer, I was listening to The Allman Brothers - Jessica, and didn't realize how fast I was going."
Officer:"Oh, that I can totally understand. Try to be more careful next time. Move along."
I've been found out!!
I have the same problem with the Doobie Brothers...
Keep it under 90 Tiger ...
@@becksullivan4796 Bat Out of Hell album for me!
The Allman brothers have had a long line of great guitarist, I think I've seen them live with a half dozen combinations and they're all phenomenal. The first time I saw them was with Duane & Dickey Betts last time I saw them was with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. They never disappointed me, the concerts were one great song after another and they were a band that performed better live than their studio work.
Great song! It’s definitely about the mood. Saw the Allman Bros live twice in the ‘90s and they were spectacular.
It was mimicking her moves while she was playing and the joy she had doing it.
It’s been mentioned but Blue Sky has a great solo, beautiful lyrics. Eat A Peach.
Some say this is the Stig's favourite record.
Haha.. has to be, right? Probably in his contract!
You win Alan! 🤣😂👏🏻👏🏻
The best theme song ... in the World
what a bombshell!
Great reference
This is one of the greatest instrumental songs of rock and roll. This is a song you put on when you are on a road trip and it's a long drive to the next stop. An absolute masterpiece. It needs no lyrics just enjoy the music and that is music at it's best.
Dicky Betts is by far the most underappreciated guitarist in the last 40+ years!
I agree, he’s often overlooked when it comes to rankings. He’s not fancy and overwhelming, just clean and pure. Love it.
Totally agree. He was amazing.
Disagree, Terry Kath, Tommy Bolin, Rory Gallagher.
@@Scaramousche1955 Second that. I find dicky's solos a bit repetitive, and when they do these instrumentals, they have a hard time finding the ending. Still love the Allmans alot, though.
along with Roy Buchanon
The man behind those keyboards is a hometown hero named Chuck Leavell. He came to Macon, GA, and joined the band after Duane's death. Married a local girl and started touring with the Rolling Stones in the 90s. He's their musical director now.
I love this song! Hadnt heard it in so long. Definitely a favorite! Thank you
I don’t think it gets much better than this. This is the definition of music. My vote as the best band ever as well as this song. Thank you for spreading the word or in this case the notes, feelings.and musicianship. Any and all Allman Bros anytime.
Nope it's actually about his daughter. She was 1 or 2 at the time. She was bopping about the room playing while was noodling on his guitar and he came up with the main riff and most of the tune.
Yep sorta like Vince Guaraldi's piano playing backdrop for the Peanuts, this was a backdrop for watching her play.
@@michaelmacdermott6340 exactly
Love Jessica. Want to take this time to thank you guys for not stopping the music & waiting until it's over to critique. Makes the reviews more enjoyable!
FYI This is the 1st Album they did after Duane Allman's Death, Dicky Betts did a nice job filling in for Duane. From this Album Brothers And Sisters "Rambling Man" is a Favorite.
They did Ramlin Man..they hated it
"Jessica" always puts a smile on my face. My older brother introduced me to the Allman Brothers band back in the 1970's. Took me to my first concert to see them, and I have loved them since. "Jessica" was a Dickey Betts creation, a kind of tribute to master jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, in that is was designed to be played using only two fingers on the left hand (Reinhardt has severely damaged his left 4th and 5th fingers and used his 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left hand to play guitar), and Dickey attempted to emulate or capture the jovial play and movement of his young child Jessica with his melody. Betts is a truly underrated song-writer and guitarist. Please do yourselves a favor and listen to "Blue Sky" written by Dickey about his ex, a native American named Blue Sky, a really excellent to great tune. "Melissa" sung by Gregg Allman, was Duane's favorite song written by brother Gregg, and is hauntingly beautiful and oh so melodic. Review the instrumental to which all other rock instrumentals are compared, the Allman Brothers 'In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed", also written by Dickey Betts. It was your favorite tune on the Live at the Filmore East Album, but I prefer the studio reversion off theJournalandLeavell, played piano and Les Dudek played the guitar bridge section on the Brothers and Sisters Album. A version of "Jessica" performed on An Evening with the Allman Brothers band, won a Grammy for best Rock Instrumental at the 38th Annual grammy Awards.
My birthday is today. I'm 63. This is how we keep this great music alive is young people like these guys getting exposed to it and then sharing it with others. Gives me encouragement
Happy birthday! Nice present for you then. Btw, I’m the same age and feel exactly the same about these young whippersnappers.
@@wicky4473 thank you. Be safe
Hell Yea. Congrats! I know my fellow Cajuns treated you right! Also, congrats, y’all are the first to react to Jessica!
Hello Pretty ❤
One of Dicky Betts' greatest instrumentals. You must check out In Memory of Elizabeth Reed from Fillmore East!!! 👍🏻✌🏼💯
They did the album.
The best concert album of all, methinks!
"Southbound" is one of Dickey's best as well.
I doubt it will happen, but I'd love to see their reaction to 'Les Brers in A Minor' or one of their other instrumentals like 'Instrumental Illness'
@@gleffersjr6855 'Kind of Bird' would be another good one.
Dickie Betts wrote the song and named it after his daughter Jessica because she would bounce around the room when he played. He tried to capture the child’s enthusiasm and rhythm.
S for sure! Great call, Andy! This song feels very jazzy to me, but also unmistakably Southern. Doesn't the guitar work remind you a lot of fiddle?
Certainly has earned it's place in the Perfect Song category. Betts is probably the most melodic guitar soloists ever. Pure Joy.
I used to love to play this song back in the late 70s while cruising down a Florida country road on a beautiful spring day in my jeep with the top off, and sharing all this with some friends. Time goes by like a hurricane as they sang in another song!
" Live at the Fillmore East" ? I was there when they recorded that album. Pure luck, right place right time.
I think “Brothers and Sisters” is their finest album and I’m a huge ABB fan. “Jelly Jelly” and “Southbound” are both essential songs, Dickey’s soloing is phenomenal. I think we need a bit of Marshall Tucker on this channel :)
I agree. Take the highway or can't you see from MTB first lp.
Come and Go Blues is one of my very favorites by them.
@@garylarue3899 add “Fire on the Mountain to the list as well. It was amazing how Toy Caldwell would use his thumb :)
@@sammack1564 Another good choice, it really is an exceptional album :)
Oh yeah South one of my favorites also wasted words
Used to work for Gateway Computers. The Company hired The Allman Brothers to play our Christmas Party in 94. They had released their "Where It All Began" LP earlier that year. What a party.
For me, this song is the "Stairway To Heaven" of 1970's Southern Rock.
Do "Melissa" next. Or Midnight Rider. They had a lot to choose from.
Damn hadn’t listened to this for a minute. Thanks for bringing it back for me. Before our Canadian friends get too upset April Wine is a must check out. I Like To Rock is a good place to start. Canada is much more than just Rush.
Been suggesting the Guess Who for months. They did American Woman. Nothing else.
Oh yeah that would be great too, also Pat Travers Snortin Whiskey. I will keep pushing for them.
@@elfinmagic5037 they did 2 Bachman Turner Overdrive
@@itzel1735 yes but there was many songs the Guess Who did that were hits. Let’s not forget Burton Cummings solo work
@@elfinmagic5037
🙂 I don’t. (I know all the words to “I will play a rhapsody”) There are still so many guitar heavy rock songs, and classic bands (like April Wine) and iconic songwriters, they still haven’t done, that I try to be patient when they’ve done a couple from one of my favorites within the past couple of months. ✌🏽
That’s an old fashioned classic southern rock eargasm right there folks 🔥😎🎧
It’s just a beautiful song. You get lost in the sauce in the first 30 seconds and don’t want to snap back to reality. Jessica was a special song and woman.
I was 14 when it was released, and frankly I just took a lot of music for granted. It was. Thanks to the people requesting. Good to see a first time reaction by the guys. Definitely should be in the A & A musical lexicon. Happy to hear that "S tier", Andy.
Loved checking this out!! If you missed us doing a full album dive for their Filmore East Live record here’s the link, it’s on Patreon for free!
www.patreon.com/posts/42045196
Top Gear.
Thanks, gents!
February, Black History month, back from New Orleans and no funk?????!!!!!!!!!
Sly and Family Stone(Thank You(falletme be mice elf agin) circa 70
Funkiest song ever written.
Andy, you sound sick. You should get yourself checked out.
One of the greatest songs (best Jeremy Clarkson voice) “In the world.”
I haven’t finished watching yet and I have never seen y’all so animated and into a record before. Love it! You get it!
I have heard this 100’s of times and still can’t sit still while listening.
Thank you Dickey, for writing this 🔊🔊🔊
I do a great air guitar and air piano to this... it has to be done...it’s the law.
Absolutely 💯%! 😁
Haha. Me too but I do congas on my desk for most of the song.
Takes a lot of skill, right??
@@codjh9 haha, yeah. I can’t believe there’s even competitions for this!
I'm 60 and i still play air instruments to this!
How can one not like this Song? It's a great Instrumental!
I've always felt this was THE best song to throw on when driving or especially starting a long drive (assuming you're not going to a funeral or to the hospital). The soaring guitar, the honky-tonk piano and an infectious gliding rhythm that makes it impossible to not tap a foot on the floor makes this THE song start a journey in a positive mood. In the movie, Field of Dreams, this was the soundtrack over a montage of road trip scenes through several states so at least one other person in this world agrees with me. On a side note, I was surprised neither Andy or Alex mentioned the incredible bass line that made this song's rhythm so fluid.
The British "Top Gear" show used "Jessica" as their theme song.
Jeremy, Richard & James
S-tier! This is, for me, one of my defining Lost In The Sauce songs. If this song can't put you in a good mood, not much can!
Can’t beat two drummers. Plus a great piano solo. Greatest instrumental rock blues song of all time. Boy how I miss the Brothers.
Always a fave. Never feels like 7 minutes, no matter how many times you hear it. Nice choice.
Chuck Leavell on piano joined the band after Duane Allman's death. Blue Sky off the Eat A Peach album is another Dickey Betts tune similar to the feel of this song that also features him rather than Gregg Allman on vocals. One of the last songs that Duane was on prior to his death. Great guitar work by both.
Just saw Chuck in November 2021 playing with the Stones. He tours with them often! Still fantastic.
This song makes you feel so good you hardly realize the talent being displayed. It is the only song that prompts me to play "Air Piano".
you guys were born about forty years late it happens
okay, so now that you've done with fun and upbeat "Jessica" you guys should really do "Sweet Melissa" It has emotional lyrics, gusty vocals, and smooth guitar solo that takes you 'there'.
It has fantastic energy and groove. The melody is compelling. The arrangement unfolds to a fantastic improvisation on piano then guitar. All the while the bass and drums drive the song forward. Then together the whole band brings the song back to the opening theme to bring Jessica home.
After all it's The Allman Brothers Band.
They kick ass.
Jessica is IMHO one of the all time great instrumental pieces. The signature riff never, ever fails to put a smile on my face.
This song, like Linus and Lucy, expertly captures childhood in music.
Everyone's always talked about the Guitars with the allman brothers rightfully. But the duel drummers really shines here along with the keyboards! Excellent!
My daughters name is Jessica, this is my ringtone for her calls.
my oldest daughter too!
That's a long ringtone
@@SandmanX82 haha!!!! Good one!
That’s adorable
Same here. My youngest daughter.
Great song! I have been listening to this since it came out and it is so good that this is the first time that I snapped that it was completely instrumental. WOW!
Hello Pretty ❤
I’ve seen The Allman Brothers a number of times great jam band shows.
I normally just throw my music on shuffle during road trips, listening to whatever comes on, but Jessica is always the opener. Something about that song just gets me ready to go.
Blue Sky. Andy, if Jessica is S tier, you’ll have to invent another one.
Probably my number 1 fave.
Blue Sky is a masterpiece
I see a pattern forming here, let’s canvass the guys to do Blue Sky soooooon!
Yep. Blue Sky
Blue Sky
I lived in a bachelor pad in my post-college days in the 90s. We used to have parties every few months and had upwards of 100-120 people there, mostly dancing to disco or just "dance music" of the time. I'll never forget putting this on and watching everyone just boogie down to some southern rock! Priceless! Definitely an S-tier moment and I'll take this over FREEBIRD! any day. :)
Here's the thing...if a guy feels like this about a girl, that girl is pretty freakin amazing! Love this!
Well said.
the band is insanely great. but Jessica was a b
Written for Dickey Betts' daughter who was about 2 years old when this was released
Never had any kids but i can imagine almost every Daddy feels this way about his little girl!?
@@CaptWalker Perfect tune to express a father’s love for his little girl
Dickey Betts was inspired to write this instrumental while watching his daughter Jessica play, there are many other excellent instrumentals like In Memory of Elizabeth Reed and Hot 'Lanta that should be heard. I'm pretty sure that a live version of this song won a Grammy
Dickie Betts is an amazing country guitarist who managed to keep his identity while playing in a blues-rock band. His guitar work is incredible - his songwriting every bit as much so!
Classic. About the best feel good, driving song ever! I’m so glad this was the music of my generation!
Dicky Betts solo is so crisp and clear, amazing. And the piano flows so smooth. Great song, definitely an S .
I was born an raised in the north. I spent twenty years in north Georgia. I grew tired if some of the southern fried rock bands, but never grew tired of the Allman Brothers Band. As a matter of fact, I named my daughter Jessica, partly because of this song.
This is one of the best pieces of music ever written.
Jessica is such a great jam...glad you reacted to and enjoyed it!! ❤
One of my favorite instrumentals ever.
Dickie B set the bar on a song with no lyrics. At age 63 there’s not been a single time in my life, where I’ve heard these first dozen notes, and didn’t sit, smile, play air guitar, and wish I was in my room in the fraternity house with my buds, partying to this classic. One of the best ever.
Same age... same sentiment.
Melissa, top-notch ballad w/top-notch Gregg Allman vocal. Also Don't Want You No More/It's Not My Cross to Bear, definite banger with (what else?) a top-notch Gregg Allman vocal.
Yep, DWYNM/NMCTB was a hell of a way to announce themselves to the world at the start of their first album. As you said, great vocal by Gregg
Thank you for that reaction. As a fan of “the Brothers” since their inception, the death of Duane Allman had many thinking the magic would be gone. This album, and the addition of Chuck Leavell added to their sound and maintained their leadership of the Southern Rock genre.
Would love to hear you do "Blue Sky" next. Similar feel to "Jessica", but with lyrics. Alex might like it more.
Blue Sky is one of the greatest "guitar" songs of all time.
No it isn't.
@@jeffyoungblood4978 GFY
You all have to do Blue Sky - it is just gorgeous. Wonderful feel, sweet positive lyrics, and superb guitar work. My favorite ABB song, though there are so many to choose from!
Jessica was one of the most popular female names of the 70's, we Jessica's can blame this song 😆
Don;t think blame is the right word. thank is better
😘☮️♥️🥰
it's a beautiful name, but I'm biased lol...
I didn't, I named my first born, a daughter, Jessica out of respect and love of for my father whose name was Jesse, but still people would say, "Oh like the Allman Brothers tune?" and I would answer "No, like the name Jessica that is hundreds of years old."
@@markburrows1179 That is a lovely story. My parents didn't name me after the song, but I personally know 6 Jessica's that were born between 75 and 82 named Jessica and it's because of this song
I love it when you guys do music I used to present on my radio show. Makes me feel young again and brings to life people I have lost since then.