A native of Auburn, Alabama, Allen was exposed to blues and R&B at an early age. Moving into jazz and fusion in his teens, he attended Berklee College of Music and shortly after, moved to Los Angeles to attend Musician’s Institute.
Allen has a touch that most guitarists would kill for. Utilizing influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to the Beatles, his style is exciting and eclectic.
He has performed and/or recorded with jazz and R&B luminaries including Patti Austin, Mary J. Blige, Maya, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, BeBe and CeCe Winan, Randy Crawford, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, The Crusaders, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Marilyn Scott, Eric Marienthal, Boney James, new “acid jazz” group Down To The Bone, Marc Antoine, Gino Vannelli and many, many others.
On staff at “Musician’s Institute”, Allen offers a musical blend of jazz, blues, and rock with a “grassroots” style. Although one might hear guitar influences like Ry Cooder to Pat Metheny, Robben Ford to Alan Holdsworth , Allen has his own “twist” on it all.
Being an active studio musician as well as live performer, he has currently written songs for Larry Carlton, Patti Austin, Jeff Kashiwa as well as the long running T.V. show on C.B.S. “JAG”. His contributions were also heard on the “EFX” network this season.
Allen is currently putting finishing touches on his first C.D. Some examples can be heard on line at allenhinds.com , A&Ronline.com or monsterguitars.com.
Using a variety of vintage guitars and amps, his main gear is a ‘59 “historic” Gibson Les Paul , a 1962 Gibson SG, a “67 Telecaster, a “61 Les Paul Special and a ’62 Gibson 345. Amplifiers of preference have lately been vintage blackface Fender Deluxe Reverbs. And lot’s of pedals!
Allen’s endorsements include Ernie Ball, Brian Moore guitars, Line 6, Bogner, B-Band, Xotic pedals, Xotic effects, and Gibson.
tel. and fax.=323-650-6509
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