Genre: Blues
Sound description: Texas-style blues
RIYL: Doug Sahm, John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton
City: Dallas, TX
Web site: http://www.randymcallister.com
Raised in the town of Novice, Texas, Randy McAllister is a fifth-generation Texan whose father was both a fireman and musician. At a very young age, McAllister began to take up drumming, but the drums were just the beginning. McAllister found the harmonica in the early 1980's while stationed in Massachusetts as a member of the U.S. Air Force. Taking cues from Blues legend "Earring George" Mayweather, a Boston resident and harmonica master. McAllister moved back to Texas in 1992, a strong and skillful harp player who was developing his vocal and songwriting skills.
If Mark Twain had crafted a 21st century roots musician, he might have created a character like Randy McAllister, with an easy-going persona and a wry, observant wit. McAllister weaves material in the singer/songwriter tradition, with nods to a variety of styles. He is one of those rare artists who is able to meld genres such as gospel, blues, country, Tex-Mex, rock and zydeco together and come away with something that is uniquely him.
In performance, his songs combine an uncontainable energy and intensity with lyrics that do not shy away from tough topics. From urban violence, homelessness and other harsh realities to more common concerns like love and dating, McAllister's songwriting approach is particularly skillful, able to be both truthful and funny. McAllister takes universal feelings and translates them into today's reality, with his own pointed style using his distinctive, soulful voice.
McAllister has released four critically praised albums beginning with his debut Diggin' for Sofa Change, followed by Grease, Grit, Dirt and Spit, the much heralded Double Rectified Bust Head, and his most recent album, Givers and Takers, all built on his firm foundation of songwriting.
Information from the artist's site
Musicians
Albums
Dope Slap Soup
Flying High While Staying Low Down
Givers and Takers
A Little Left of Center
Temporary Fixes
Double Rectified Bust Head
Grease, Grit, Dirt and Spit
Diggin' for Sofa ChangeFavorited by these users:
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Comments
Don Lokke Verified
"A rainy night in downtown Dallas started in the best way possible with Randy McAllister and his Band on a "House of Blues" stage in the urban hot spot they call "Uptown" in downtown Dallas. The "House of Blues" in Dallas is still a newcomer, a welcome addition to the Blues rich Dallas tradition. Long an internationally recognized Blues citadel, local Dallas' bluesmen past and present have earned the respect of the music world as culturally influenced innovators. Randy McAllister has been proclaimed "one of the best" by Big City Blues, selected with Eric Clapton as one of two artists nominated in three international categories for Australia's Blue Star Awards. Randy McAllister has won accolades for his high energy performances, cross genre compositions and last night proved why. Playing a mix of Blues, Roots and Americana with Latin influences, Randy McAllister with an inspired Matt Woodburn on guitar and Billy Acord on bass started with some of Randy's latest releases from his "Dope Slap Soup" album.
Harp solos by Randy and guitar solos by Matt were only surpassed by the counterpoint duets that danced in irresistibly haunting melodies, pure genius. If you've never heard this band, you've never experienced the sounds and lives of Texans. Randy explores the archetypical Texas in lightening flashes of inspiration better played in larger rooms without Plexiglass barriers. Chandeliers should rattle just as his music rattles the soul when Matt Woodburn lets loose with a melodic East Texas Woodsmans howl.
Randy and the band took the night into unrecorded territory with at least three amazing original compositions that aren't even on disc. Randy is known to have hundreds of unrecorded compositions with only a fraction recorded even with 8 solid CD's released. Some of his best work like "Perfect Day" is still only available live. If you didn't make it out last Tuesday, you still have time to experience this. Randy McAllister will be at the House of Blues every Tuesday in September. DO NOT MISS THIS. They are packing houses out across the US, everywhere they play. Make plans to see the remaining three concerts. I personally guarantee it will be a life memory." - Music Critic - World Entertainment Network
11 months, 2 weeks ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Tracy Yost Verified
Please send good thoughts to Randy McAllister - On Monday, January 7th while returning to Texas from Louisiana, Randy's car was struck by an on-coming 18-wheeler. He was taken by CareFlite to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. His condition is listed as critical but stable.
7 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
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