Allen Dobb Bottomland CD

While the progression of musical styles -- in every genre -- used to be a given, many artists in the '90s and beyond have chosen to delve into older approaches. Such is the complex case of Allen Dobb, an artist comfortable in a multitude of Americana stylings. On the title track that opens Bottomland and on a bluesy piece like "Rocks to Pick," Dobb has Southern rock circa 1974 written all over him. He delivers the lyrics with pride and vigor, as though he really meant them or maybe had lived them, and it would be easy to imagine him opening for a later version of Lynyrd Skynyrd. It comes as somewhat of a surprise, then, when Dobb reveals that he has another trick or two up his sleeve. While he maintains his deep, gruff vocals on "Beer Bottle Chandelier," the steel guitar turns this sad lament into a honky tonk weeper. That Dobb originates from Vancouver adds just one piece to this fun musical puzzle. The remainder of the material achieves a nice balance by mixing mandolins, acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel, and drums. Robyn Carrigan's harmony vocals blend nicely with Dobb's on "Beer Bottle Chandelier" and "The Ballad of Willie Holmes," adding a little something extra to these songs. While the pastiche of styles may leave the listener wondering who the real Dobb is, Bottomland is nonetheless a satisfying slice of Americana. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Recorded at Mushroom Studios, Vancouver, Canada.

Personnel: Allen Dobb (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, tambourine); Luke Doucet (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar); Jesse Zubot (mandolin); Dave Kershaw (chamberlin, Mellotron); Robert Becker (upright bass); Pat Steward (drums); Blair Calibaba (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Blair Calibaba.

Recording information: Glass Elevator Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Ca (06/2001-07/2001); Mushroom Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (06/2001-07/2001).

Photographer: Allen Dobb.

Personnel includes: Allen Dobb (vocals); Luke Doucet (guitar, pedal steel); Jesse Zubot (mandolin); Dave Kershaw (organ); Rob Becker (bass); Pat Stewart (drums); Robyn Carrigan (background vocals).