Photo courtesy of Jessica Shouse Photography

Forty years after Duane Allman formed a band with his brother, Gregg, and some friends, the Allman Brothers Band is still going strong. Oteil Burbridge was just a little kid when original bassist, the late Berry Oakley, laid down what is now the legendary opening to “Whipping Post.” For the last twelve years, though, Oteil has been driving the bass line for the Allman Brothers.

(click “read more” to hear the audio interview).

Prior to joining the Allman Brothers Band, Oteil was an original member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit.  He has shared the stage with some of the greatest musicians alive today, and in his “free time” he leads his own jazz-funk-gospel group – Oteil and the Peacemakers.

In October, we caught up with Oteil when the Allman Brothers Band pulled into Knoxville, Tennessee. In part one of this two-part interview, Oteil shares his personal faith journey, the importance of music to his spirituality, and the story behind his Oteil and the Peacemakers song “Blue-Eyed Savior.”

To catch Oteil and the Peacemakers doing their song “Thank You,” click here.

To catch Oteil with the Allman Brothers Band playing the classic “Midnight Rider,” click here.

Click here to listen to part two of the interview.