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Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Devon Allman talks about playing Macon

Few names are more associated with music in Macon than “Allman.” This puts Devon Allman, son of the Allman Brothers Band’s Gregg Allman in an unusual position as he and his band Honeytribe prepare to perform here. In a recent interview, Devon discussed his own path to music and his upcoming performance.

“People have a common misconception that I got into music because my dad was into it,” he said. “That’s not true. I didn’t meet him until I was a teenager, and I’d already formed my own garage band by that time, in the suburbs. It was an organic process, really. I am into music because I wanted to be. It was my choice.”

It seems to have been a good one, regardless of the inspiration. Honeytribe, consisting of Devon as lead guitarist and vocalist, George Potsos on bass and Gabriel Strange on drums, is constantly on the move.

“This is Honeytribe’s 10th anniversary,” Devon said. “On average, we do about 300 shows a year, in 44 states and 14 countries. We’re doing our best to perpetuate bluesy rock.”

The band is equal parts jam, blues and rock.

“We were inspired by some of the greats, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones, and of course, The Allman Brothers,” he said.

In the late 1980s and early ’90s, Devon decided to spend a year touring with his father’s band.

“I wanted to see what the life was really like, to see if it was something I wanted to do,” he said. “I went with them on their Reunion Tour and by the time it was over, I knew I didn’t need a Plan B anymore.” He paused. “Plan B was to become an actor, by the way. I love the stage.”

Honeytribe mostly performs original music, written by Devon. “But we always play a few cover songs, too, just to give a nod to our heroes. That’s important and not enough people do it anymore,” he said.

“I know people who can just sit and write songs, but that’s not me,” he said. “I have to live some life first, maybe six months or more, without writing. Then I can channel everything that I learned into a song. I have to mature that much more, marinate my soul a bit, before I can write something new. Then sometimes, it just happens, even in the middle of the night.”

Devon did not grow up in Macon, but he has come to love the city as a special part of his own roots.

“It’s a powerful place and I know how much this city means to my family,” he said. “This is only our fourth time playing in Macon and our first time at the Hummingbird. I hope people come out and get to know us.”

Honeytribe is preparing to release a new album in the spring. In the meantime, they’ll keep on touring and, in the words of Devon Allman, “keep on living life.”

Monday

What: Devon Allman’s Honeytribe in concert

When: 8 p.m.

Where: The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom, 430 Cherry St.

Phone: 741-9130

Cost: $5

On the Web: www.myspace.com/honeytribe