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Patrick Allen may be a new name to many people, but he has been a fixture
of the Twin Cities music scene for around 30 years. His standing on the
local scene is such that he was able to recruit several well known locals
to lend a hand on his debut album, "...'bout time!" These include long time
Prince collaborators, The Hornheads, pianist Scott Miller, and soul singer
Willie Walker.
Allen lays his cards on the table with the opening song, "Save It For Some
Other Fool." His stock in trade is a very slick blend of soul, funk and
blues. Allen shows himself to be a fine guitarist, nothing too flashy, just
right on the money. There is a familiar feel to the opening track and
"Sweet, Sweet Sin," that is difficult to pin down. With "Only When We're
Alone," though, the recognition bells start ringing a bit stronger. There
are definite shades of Steely Dan to it, and Allen's voice does sound a bit
like Donald Fagen.
All of the tracks here are originals, and for the most part Allen supplies
guitar and vocals. On a couple of tracks, though, he shares the vocals. The
first is the excellent "Kind-Hearted, Good Lovin' Woman," where he gets
funky in the company of soul singer Willie Walker. The second is where
Kathleen Johnson steps up to help out on "He's Not Me."
Most of the tracks are fairly uptempo, and sound like they would fill the
dance floors at a live gig. These include the title track, which is a
cracking instrumental, where the band really hit their peak. There are a
few slower numbers too, including "Let's Get Twisted Up Together," and the
closer, "The Answer Is Always In You," which rounds things off in a very
relaxed vein.
"...'bout time!" is a very fine debut album. Allen shows that he is a find
singer songwriter, and the backing musicians offer excellent support
throughout, particularly the Hornheads. If the album does have a failing,
it is that occasionally it sounds just a little bit too slick, but that is
very much a minor gripe. Anyone who likes their blues shot through with
soul and funk will find much here to admire. "...bout time!" has given
Patrick Allen a great start to his recording career, and one that will take
some beating.
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