Jim Allen

Guitarist, vocalist, and composer Jim Allen crafts a distinctive fusion of country, folk, and rock that stands out for its originality. Born in the Bronx, he emerged within the thriving New York City music community of the early 1990s alongside figures such as Richard Shindell and Jeff Buckley. His debut solo effort, the 1996 album Weeper's Stomp, appeared on the independent 1-800 Prime imprint and earned strong critical notice for its acoustic and blues emphases. The follow-up, Straight Time, also released by 1-800 Prime, adopted a brisker pace and demonstrated further growth as Allen wove in country and lounge textures that at moments echoed the approaches of Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, and Leonard Cohen. This project represented his initial recording with a complete ensemble, featuring his wife Barbara Allen on drums and backing vocals, Mark Rubinstein on piano, Steve Alcott on bass, and additional contributors. The release drew widespread praise, highlighted by singer/songwriter Eric Andersen’s declaration that “Jim is the best songwriter in New York.” Similar Artists- Eric Andersen, Paul Siebel Roots and Influences- Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Leonard Cohen. ~ Greg Prato