Randy McAllister Is Making A Scene!
Making A Scene presents an Interview with Randy McAllister!
Listen as we talk about his career, his new CD, his views on the music industry and the future of the blues!
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 sings like no one else.
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.
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