Devon Allman: A Musical Journey Through Influences and Collaborations
Devon Allman, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist with a career spanning over 20 years, has been involved in various musical projects, including Honeytribe, Royal Southern Brotherhood, and the Allman Betts Band. His latest release, The Blues Summit, features collaborations with artists like Jimmy Hall and the Memphis Horns.
Allman's musical journey began with a love for The Beatles' Rubber Soul album, which captivated him at a young age. He reminisces about his high school band, Idiosyncrasty, where they started by playing Van Halen songs.
Ray Charles holds a special place in Allman's heart as his favorite singer of all time. He admires Charles' pure and emotional voice, which he was introduced to by his grandmother. Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek And The Dominos is another album that resonates with Allman for its raw intensity and emotional depth.
The influence of The Rolling Stones is evident in Allman's music, drawing inspiration from their blend of rock, blues, country, and soul. He also appreciates Liz Phair's indie sound and her groundbreaking album Exile In Guyville.
With his latest solo album, Miami Moon, Allman aimed to create feel-good music that harkens back to the '70s. He reflects on his early days with Honeytribe and the learning experience of their debut album, Torch.
Musical icons like Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour have left a lasting impact on Allman, shaping his approach to guitar playing. He also enjoys the soulful sound of Steely Dan and the timeless music of Sade.
When preparing for a show, Allman finds motivation in metal bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden, as well as rap artists like Dr. Dre and Juice Wrld. He appreciates the emotional depth of albums like David Gray's White Ladder and Jason Isbell's Southeastern.
For Allman, the ultimate party anthem is Curtis Mayfield's Move On Up, a song that brings joy and celebration. His latest album, The Blues Summit, showcases his passion for collaboration and diverse musical influences.