record collection revisited: Devon Allman "Turquoise"

Devon Allman has released his first solo record, beyond his other band he's been working with for the last few years, called Honeytribe.  This is purely a solo effort from Allman, who is the son of Gregg Allman from the Allman Brothers of course.  Allman explains the personal impact of each of the songs he wrote, in the liner notes of the record.  They obviously were all drawn from his personal experiences.  For those who look into this record, read the liner notes and find out how the tunes came together.  Some of them have intriguing inspiration behind them.

Allman includes several guests on this record such as Luther Dickinson (guitarist for the North Mississippi Allstars and the Black Crowes), and blues singer/guitarist, Samantha Fish.  Here is the band lineup, including guest artists.  Allman's band for this record is a power trio.

Devon Allman: vocals & guitars
Yonrico Scott: drums & percussion (Yonrico Scott played drums in the Derek Trucks Band)
Myles Weeks: upright & electric bass

Guest musicians:

Luther Dickinson: slide guitar
Samantha Fish: guitar & vocals
Ron Holloway: tenor saxophone
Bobby Schneck Jr.: lead guitar
Rick Steff: Hammond B3 organ

Allman and Fish deliver a rousing cover of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around by Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks.  That is the sole cover song on the whole record.  But, it has Allman's stamp all over it, and has shades of both the Heartbreakers, and, the Allman Brothers Band, in it's delivery.  The Hammond B3 line played by keyboardist Rick Steff, is very reminiscent of Benmont Tench's Hammond organ work in The Heartbreakers.

There is more that can be said about this album, but, as mentioned, it's the liner notes that explain everything and Allman clearly makes a very personal statement as to his life, growing up in the shadow of one of the most recognizable rock and roll acts in history, but at the same time, he bares his soul and crafts an emotionally charged, and yet laid back record.  Here's the track listing for "Turquoise"

1. When I Left Home (feat. Luther Dickinson: guitar)
2. Don't Set Me Free
3. Time Machine
4. Stop Draggin' My Heart Around (Tom Petty & Stevie Nicks cover) (feat. Samantha Fish: guitar & vocals)
5. There's No Time
6. Strategy
7. Homesick
8. Into The Darkness
9. Key Lime Pie
10. Yadira's Lullaby
11. Turn Off The World

Check it out, and if you do, read over the liner notes.  They give much insight into Allman's creative process.