'Ragged & Dirty' - Devon Allman on Ruf Records!

Devon Allman has developed during his career into a soulful composer, guitar hero, singer and songwriter.

He has  his own exciting, great style besides being a member of Royal Southern Brotherhood.

 On his second solo-master-opus “Ragged & Dirty” on Ruf Records,  he shows his creativity!

 „Ragged & Dirty“ starts with  “Half The Truth” as first title, a foot-stomping rock-blues featuring, besides electrifying vocals, enchanting hot string solos by Devon.

He plays like his guitar was on fire.

Mister Allman off course is proud to be part of the Allman tribe, so “Can’t Lose Em All” is some  fine jam-rock in the family style.

At the end of the track his guitar solo shows his devotional love to the Mexican Music Spirit. “Leavin’” is definitely a song in the “Good Ole-South” mood, a song dedicated to his beloved mom. His chant is  warm-hearted.

 “I’ll Be Around “ is a fine funk-blues for lovers to enjoy a hot dance.

“Midnight Lake Michigan” is definitely originating from one of D A’s nights in the “Living Town of The Blues” – Chicago as he has recorded “Ragged & Dirty” there with superb producer Tom Hambridge who can be heard on the  drums.

A lazy blues jam with guitar-masterwork-solos by maestro Allman,

 “Blackjack Heart Attack” : Devon and his studio-mates were in the mood to play a torrid groove-jam composition.

 “Back To You” is a fine blues with a  melancholic melody in the “Windy City” tradition.

 It could definitely have been  originating from Maxwell Street during a lonely night in a club out there.

“Times Have Changed” is an explosive Southern-rocker in the kick-ass style with a fine and spicy boogie-piano played by Marty Sammon.

The title track ”Ragged & Dirty" is like a modern rock-blues hymn of the U.S.A. combining the styles of The North and South with an energetic canto by Devon along  fine  Hammond-organ and axe solos.

“Leave The City” is the Finale Grande and the highlight of “Ragged & Dirty”, you can call it a Good-Bye to Chicago, a joyful Missouri river-song with subtle fingerpickin’ on his  resonator six-string.

A therapy in anticipation of his homecomin’ to St. Louis, his hometown.

CD review ( and pictures): Markus Hagner