Recorded Projects
Allen is still ecstatic about his Deering Banjo endorsement! This is a wonderful thing. After all his years of hard work, it's a real pleasure to be recognized by one of the top banjo companies in the world. Since Deering banjos have long been a personal favorite of his, Allen is thrilled to be offered the chance to work with them. Janet and Greg Deering are two of the nicest folks you'd ever meet, and are extremely involved with every aspect of the 'banjo world'. Click on Deering Banjos to visit their page and check out all the fine banjos and accessories they have to offer. Thank you with all our hearts, Janet and Greg!
He used the Maple Blossom in the studio last summer with Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike for the recording of Turtle Wings and it sounded awesome. Recently he's had it in the studio again--this time for his own new project. We're very excited about Battleground: Music Inspired by the Civil War.
"Old" CD News
I'm leaving this up for awhile in case anyone missed it earlier!
Finally, after all the planning, working, re-working, praying and waiting, the For My Lady CD was finished! Allen went into the studio on March 6, 1999, to wrap up recording the project he started way back in '93. It's been a long time between start and finish...and we're glad it's done!
The project features 10 songs, six of which are original tunes written by Allen. The "special" cut of the album, Song For Laura, was a surprise. Laura had no idea he had written a song just for her! All the tunes are wonderfully crafted and executed--and Allen worked hard to get them just right in the studio. We hope all of you enjoy listening to them!
We would be remiss if we didn't take the opportunity to thank a few dear friends for their part in all this:
Rodney, Lisa and Emily Morgan. Thank you so very much for believing in Allen and for making it possible for him to finish the project. You won't be sorry!
Terry, Tracy and Zeb Williams. Mucho gracias for putting up with us way back when...and for feeding us, and letting us sleep at your house, and for letting us make such a racket in your studio! You guys are, and always will be, the best!
Our friends and family members who hung in there and never stopped asking when Allen was going to "get back in the studio"! You all know who you are! Thanks and we love you!
A Bit of Allen's Musical History
Allen recorded his first project while he was in his teens with a band called The Homemade String Band. They appeared on an album called High on Bluegrass Music and won a recording contract. In My Younger Days was produced. The group later changed their name to The Next in Line. Not too bad for a bunch of young guys playing bluegrass in the 70's!
During this time, Allen entered several competitions. One of them netted him the north Alabama banjo championship. He later took his competition experience a step further and began judging competitions. In 1980 he judged at Winfield, Kansas. He has judged many competitions since then.
From there, Allen went on to join The Front Porch String Band. The project he recorded with them is still a hot item, almost 10 years later! He became well known for his banjo work on this album and is often pleasantly surprised by fans who approach him to comment on it. Thank you, everyone, you're very sweet!
After this, Allen spent about a year with The Lonesome River Band. He had a great time with these guys! Is a job supposed to be that much fun?? Later down the road, a band called Whetstone Run was in need of a banjo player. They gave Allen a call. He played their final season with them and had a blast. You should hear some of the tapes of their shows. Good stuff!
In the late 80's Allen released a solo project called You've Waited Too Long. He wrote several of the instrumentals, as well as Heaven's Golden Shore and Hoe. And, yep, if you listen closely, you can actually hear him sing!
He moved back to Alabama in 1992 and before long found himself picking with a local group called Katy's Mill. Together with these guys, he played music all over Alabama and the adjoining states.
In 1997 he recorded with Mark Johnson and Clawgrass. The project was called Bridging the Gap. Allen's work here surprised many of his long-time fans. He played mandolin instead of banjo! The gracious reviews in the various magazines and publications were so nice to read and were greatly appreciated.
Allen joined Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike in early 1998. He had been doing a bit of 'fill-in' work with them for several months and when asked to join full time immediately said yes! This group is high energy, all the time, and is a very musically talented bunch. Allen is going into his third year with this band and is having a great time. Summer of 1999 found the band in the studio with Valerie to record her new album. It was released the summer of 2000.
Early summer of 2000 finds Allen off the road and having a blast playing music in several different places! He's been in the studio a *lot* since leaving the band, working on his own new project. It's been fun to be able to have the time to spend with family and friends, as well as being able to play music whenever he wants! Life is good.
Allen is happy to announce that he is now with the band Nancy Moore and Nashville Highway. Getting the invitation to join the band in early fall 2000, Allen had no trouble saying, 'Yes!'. Long time friend and former band mate Allen Shadd plays guitar in this band. Allen & Allen did a show in September at the Acoustic Cafe' that was gangbusters! It will be great to be in a band together again, and Nancy puts on a wonderful show. They will be appearing in showcases at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in October, 2000. The 2001 schedule is shaping up to be a busy year!
We're glad you stopped by!! Please visit again soon.
To Everyone Who Listens to the Music:
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