Randy McAllister and the Scrappiest Band in the Motherland
Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Randy McAllister
He's been flying in the face of convention his whole career. No smoke, no mirrors, no choreography, no industry machines. One of the most versatile bluesmen in Texas, Randy plays driving drums and world-class harmonica, writes incredible songs and has one of the most amazing and soulful voices.
Raised in the small Texas town of Novice, McAllister is a 5th generation Texan, whose father was both a fireman and musician. His father was a drummer in a band called, "The Flames." Randy sometimes went to his house parties and rehearsals and would sit in on the drums. He eventually bought his first drum kit in the 5th grade for $40.00 which he had earned mowing lawns. From that time on if he wasn’t fishing or hanging out in the country with his buddies he would be found locked in his room singing and playing, but the drums were just the beginning for Randy. McAllister found the harmonica in his early 20'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 to Alaska in 1989 where he spent the next 3 years playing in various bands. He moved back to Texas in 1992, a strong, skillful harp player who was also establishing a reputation as a vocalist and a songwriter.
When he moved back to Texas, he struck-up friendships with Mike Morgan, Andrew Jr. Boy Jones and Robin Sylar. Randy would occasionally front Mike Morgan’s band (The Crawl) playing harmonica and singing. Mike would also fill-in playing guitar in Randy’s band. Randy and Andrew Jr. Boy Jones (Charlie Musselwhite, Katie Webster, Freddie King) also worked together during that time. In the late 90’s while Andrew was signed with British label JSP Records, he approached label owner John Steadman about Randy. Randy was soon signed with JSP Records and went on to release 4 CD’s with the label. The first CD was produced by Andrew and also featured him on guitar. Randy also spent a lot of the 90’s playing with Robin Sylar (Doyle Bramhall, George Harmonica Smith and Stevie Ray Vaughn). Randy eventually went on to release CD’s on Severn Records (with Mike Morgan) and Reaction Records.
Roustabout, maverick, spiritual, gritty, amazing, genius, wild, bad-ass, soulful... These are some of the words used to describe this Texas bonafide blue blood. A much revered, singer, songwriter, harmonica player and drummer. East Texas roadhouse soul by one of America's true blues/roots originals.
Reviews
"...one hell of an album. Paperbag Salvation is full of strong songs and great playing, topped off by some of the coolest slide work I've heard in a while...incredible singing and harmonica playing. Paperbag Salvation lifts it's head above the crowd on the strength of Randy's clever songwriting." - Hot Wax Album Reviews
"McAllister is a masterful singer, fully inhabiting each song, sounding convincingly and alternatively besotted, furious, vulnerable, confident, resigned, determined, wise and bemused. These are beautifully written and played songs. One of the most impressive albums of the year." - Blues Blast Magazine
"First rate drummer, harmonica player and potently soulful singer. His well crafted songs reveal a depth of creativity not only in the storytelling, social commentary and word play, but also in the sophisticated arrangements and blurring of stylistic boundaries. With an expressive vocal register falling somewhere between the soulful effervescence of Al Green and the blunt hammer of Johnny Taylor, a shrewd wit and admirable turn of a phrase, McAllister cements himself as a blues bard archetype" - Living Blues Magazine
"His repertoire of all original material delivers a strong passion with an intensity of Wilson Pickett or Otis Redding...this guy is that good. His music stirs the soul." - North Padre Island Press
"Triggers be Trippin delivers the soulful and spiritual style of this shining Texas Blues veteran. It characterizes his skillful songwriting abilities, strong soulful vocals, and extraordinary harmonica ability. If you are not familiar with this living legend, you are in for a real treat." - Crossroads Blues Society
"McAllister is a skilled craftsman in the art of songwriting. He combines first-rate melodies with valued lyrics... superbly soulful singer with and ample range who sings each song with a legitimate conviction" - Vivascene Magazine
"When he begins to sing, he holds the audience in the palm of his hand. This is the real deal." - Billtown Blues Association
"...great songs about life's struggles, victories, and defeats. Deeply soulful voice and award winning harmonica chops." - Elmore Magazine
"...genius at work... awesome vocals and the tastiest harp work heard in a long time." - Blues Review Magazine
"Amazing songs with lyrics that reflect a unique view of the world - a true artist's astute observation of the people and situations around him." - JSP Records
"...highlighted by amazing vocals, spiritual and very uplifting lyrics from this amazing songwriter." - Mary4Music
