Guitarist and songwriter Scott Sharrard’s upcoming album, Saving Grace, features Gregg Allman’s last known original song, "Everything a Good Man Needs."
Allman and Sharrard co-wrote “Everything a Good Man Needs.” Originally planned for Allman’s Grammy-nominated album Southern Blood, his steep health decline prevented him from recording the song.
Taj Mahal, one of Allman’s favorite living singers, is on lead vocals, backed by legendary drummer Bernard Purdie and Gregg’s bandmates, Peter Levin on organ and Sharrard on guitar, with Memphis horn player, Marc Franklin.
Says Sharrard, “Whenever we would pull into a town or a hotel on the road, Gregg would usually say, ‘This place has everything a good man needs.’ ”
Sharrard continues: “While writing the tune, we were constantly referencing our mutual hero, Johnny “Guitar” Watson. This is definitely a true story with references to Gregg’s life on the road as a single man. We just wanted to do a fun, funky blues about finding love out on the road. I know that Gregg would be thrilled to have Taj and Bernard playing our song.”
Sharrard recorded Saving Grace during his time with Allman. The album was produced by Sharrard with Scott Bomar and Charles Martinez; half the record features the Hi Rhythm Section (Howard Grimes, Reverend Charles Hodges and Leroy Hodges), and the other half renowned Muscle Shoals musicians David Hood, Spooner Oldham (‘The Swampers’) and Chad Gamble.
Saving Grace track listing:
High Cost of Loving You
Faith to Arise
Saving Grace
Everything a Good Man Needs
Angeline
Words Can’t Say
She Can’t Wait
Sweet Compromise
Tell the Truth
Keep Me in Your Heart
Sentimental Fool
Saving Grace tour dates:
Aug 31 New York, NY Nublu Green Is Beautiful
Sept 8 Round Lake, NY Round Lake Auditorium
Sept 13 Galway, NY The Cock ‘n Bull
Sept 14 Marlboro, NY The Falcon
Sept 15 Blairstown, NJ Roy’s Hall
Sept 21 Plymouth, MA Spire Center for the Performing Arts
Sep 22 Shirley, MA Bull Run
Oct 4 Rochester, NY Lovin’ Cup
Oct 5 Syracuse, NY King of Clubs
Oct 6 Apalachin, NY Ranson Steele Tavern
Oct 13 Sea Cliff, NY Still Partners
Oct 24 Richmond, VA Capital Ale House Downtown
Oct 26 Macon, GA The Big House
Oct 28 Atlanta, GA Venkman’s
Oct 31 Florence, LA Swampers
Nov 2 Memphis, TN Railgarten
Nov 3 Nashville, TN The Basement
Nov 23 Galway, NY The Cock ‘n Bull
Nov 30 Asbury Park, NJ Wonder Bar
Dec 14 Marlboro, NY The Falcon
Dec 22 Woodstock, NY Bearsville Theater
For more information on Scott Sharrard, check out his official website.
