Jim Allchin

Prime Blues

Sandy Key Music

Jim Allchin worked for Microsoft where he helped to develop Windows operating systems including Windows 98 and Vista. Allchin retired from Microsoft and has been pursuing his love of guitar. Allchin released his third studio recording “Q.E.D.” in 2013. Interestingly the title refers to “quod erat demonstrandum”. The phrase is Latin and refers to “which is what had to be proven” and denotes the completion of a mathematical proof. His all original brainy albums have received widespread acclaim especially last year’s “Decisions” produced by Tom Hambridge.

This past spring Allchin returned to Nashville’s Blackbird Studios to again collaborate with producer Hambridge. Allchin, guitar and vocals; is joined by Bob Britt, Kenny Greenberg, or Rob McNelly, rhythm guitars; Kevin McKendree, keyboards; Glen Worf, bass; and Hambridge, drums. Special guests include Bobby Rush, Mike Zito and The Memphis Horns: Charles Rose, Jim Hoke, Steve Hermann and Doug Moffet. The background vocalist is Mycle Wastman.

All of the songs are written or co-written by Allchin, some with Hambridge, and some with Hambridge and his regular writing partner Richard Fleming. Allchin’s guitar opens “Give It Up” with the lyric “don’t know which way to run, oh give it up and things will come”. Featured is the horn section. “Summer Sunrise” is a great song with a beautiful vocal from Allchin who is joined again by the Memphis Horns.

“A man gets weak and The Devil Don’t Sleep” rocks from beginning to end; featured is McKendree on the B-3. “Enough is Enough” features a vocal by the Blues Music Award winning Mike Zito, with some wicked piano from McKendree.

On “Two Bad Dreams” the Grammy winning Bobby Rush guests with a stunning vocal performance. The fabulous Memphis Horns complete the production. The shuffle, “Tech Blues”, is about our obsession with cell phones, featuring Rush blowin’ some harp.

“Voodoo Doll” is about an enchanting Cajun queen. “I met her in a haze in New Orleans…I’m about to fall, I’ll do anything at all, for my voodoo doll”. “Snuggle Up” features some great guitar from Allchin. “Jimmy’s Boogie” is a relentless instrumental featuring the band.

“Found The Blues” features Bob Britt from the Delbert McClinton Band on rhythm guitar. McKendree who also spent time with that band can be heard on the B-3 in the background. “Pawn Shop Man” is another beautiful vocal from Allchin who switches to an acoustic guitar. On the poppy “Up To Destiny” Allchin’s playing is more evocative. The poetic closer is aptly titled “Logoff”.

The title “Prime Blues” not only refers to Allchin’s love of the blues but also to his love of mathematics. His songs tell a story and his guitar technique and tone are perfect.  This is Allchin’s bluesiest effort to date and his most enjoyable.

Richard Ludmerer

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