If Devon Allman’s last album Turquoise will “punch you in the teeth” as he described his 2013 Ruf Records debut album, Ragged & Dirty *(October 14, 2014, Ruf Records) will be more inclined to sooth your soul. That might sound like a paradox for an album so named as it is, but Allman’s first recording since his Royal Southern Brotherhood supergroup with Mike Zito and Cyrille Neville made waves obviously inspired him to become a one-man supergroup with his solo career.
Like his famous father and late uncle, there are rock, blues and soul sides to Allman; Gregg and Duane Allman’s perfect blending of the three practically gave birth to Southern rock. On Ragged & Dirty, does the same kind of blending, but gets an end product that’s distinct from the Allman Brothers. “Half The Truth” points the way, a hard rocking guitar that totally respects the blues changes, and Marty Sammon’s B3 organ adds a crucial RnB element. That song also signals that this record isn’t necessarily region-bound: Allman went to Chicago to find his backing band for this project and it’s produced by the drummer, the Grammy winner Tom Hambridge. Even the album title points to the Windy City, as it’s taken from a Luther Allison song of the same name.
We can’t downplay the role Allman’s own vocal in giving these songs that old fashioned soul. In contrast to Gregg’s weary croak, Devon has just a little scowl in his tone that’s vibrant. But both have an ability to convey just the right feeling, something that can’t be taught; it’s in the blood. That’s why the younger Allman can hit the mark on a 70s soul classic like Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around” with earnest conviction, and lays down an equally earnest guitar solo.
Allman can get rowdy on rockers like “Traveling,” funky on “Ragged & Dirty” and put down the heart-wrenching blues without singing a word with the instrumental lead guitar showcase “Midnight Lake Michigan.” “Ten Million Slaves” is a minor gem civil rights chant he selected from Denver bluesman Otis Taylor’s limitless store of hard-hitting contemporary blues songs.
If there’s any place on Ragged & Dirty where Allman lays his heritage bare, that would be “Can’t Lose ‘Em All,” a Lee Roy Parnell song we gave an early listen to.
This one salute to the greatness of the Allman Brothers Band is all that’s needed on this album. That’s because Ragged & Dirty is more Allman greatness in the making. And Devon Allman is getting it done his own damned way.
Visit Devon Allman’s website for more information.
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