BIOGRAPHY
A native of Auburn, Alabama, Allen was immersed in blues and R&B from an early age before expanding into jazz and fusion in his teens. After studying at Berklee College of Music, he relocated to Los Angeles on a scholarship from Guitar Player Magazine to attend Musicians Institute — where he remains on faculty today.
Allen has released six solo recordings, including his latest project, The Good Fight. His interpretation of “Keep Forgettin’” (originally recorded by Michael McDonald) continues to receive airplay. His collaborative project Wonderland Park – Just Get In, created with Peter Hastings (of Pinky and the Brain fame) and drummer Chris Wobich, highlights his versatility as both a player and composer. He also released Held to a Different Standard, a jazz standards recording with Brad Rabuchin.
His music is available on major streaming platforms and has been featured on television programs including Sons of Guns, Pawn Stars, and various National Geographic specials.
In addition to his performing career, Allen is a regular featured artist in leading guitar publications and the author of several instructional titles, including Liquid Legato (Musicians Institute/Hal Leonard), Melodic Improv (TrueFire), Fusion Blues Soloing, and the recent release Modern Blues Slide Guitar (Fundamental Changes).
Throughout his career, Allen has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Hiroshima, Randy Crawford, Gino Vannelli, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Jon Waite, BeBe & CeCe Winans, The Crusaders, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Joan Baez, and many others.
https://www.fundamental-changes.com/book/modern-blues-slide-guitar/ available at Fundamental Changes.
Currently Allen is teaching private lessons on Zoom
photo by Johnny Buzzerio
I’ve been lucky
to perform around the world with the greatest bands including Bobby Caldwell, Gino Vannelli and so many others.. well and especially my guys
with Gino Vannelli
with Brenda Russell
JEFF BECK
with the great Larry Carlton
with Gino Vannelli
with Randy Crawford
with Dean Brown
Me and Matt Rohde
with Mike Landau
COOKIES ..fun fun band with Bobby Watson and Maxayn Lewis
Wonderland Park
with James Ingram
with Luke
with the guys and gal…we rock big time but at a higher level than most….Donald Barret, Matt Rohde, Max and Travis!! yeah baby!
Looking for “more” Allen began recording his own music several years ago….all to critical acclaim by musicians and magazines worldwide, his c.d.s “Fact of the Matter”, “Beyond it All”, “Falling Up”, and “Monkeys and Slides””Fly South” and Wonderland Park’s “Just Get In” with Peter Hastings and Chris Wobich are available on I-Tunes, Amazon, and C.D. Baby.com
His c.d’s feature and amazing array of musicians..such as Jimmy Johnson, Vinnie Coaliuta, Abraham Laboriel, Genevieve Artadi, Maxayn Lewis, Jeff Babko, Dave Hooper, Matt Rhodi, JV Collier, Randy Crawford, Tolak Olestaad, Jimmy Earl, Jimmy Haslip, Will Kennedy, Reinhardt Melz, Mark McMilllen, Roberto Vally, Dave Hughes,.Hanz Zermuellan, Joey Heredia, Brian Simpson, and many others……
On staff at “Musician’s Institute” and “Shepherd University’s CSCM” Allen offers a musical blend of jazz, blues, and rock with a “grassroots” style. One might hear guitar influences like Ry Cooder to Pat Metheny, Robben Ford to Alan Holdsworth.
Allen has also done clinics and master classes worldwide, concentrating on improvisational techniques, learning shortcuts,legato technique ,slide playing, as well as a focus on common problem solving for young and aspiring guitarists. His approach is thorough and contemporary.
Being an active studio musician as well as live performer, he has written songs for Larry Carlton, Patti Austin, Jeff Kashiwa as well as many new cable t.v. shows.. “Duck Dynasty”, “Pawn Stars”, “Build it Bigger”, “Son’s of Gun” … just to name a few.