AMC's Second Nominee For Album Of The Year!

The Twilight  Zone
Jason Allen
Smith Entertainment

As I was listening to the long awaited album 'Twilight Zone' from Jason Allen, it was hard to keep from smiling. Ah, there it is, actual singing; dynamic, across the board pitch perfect, individual, and true to the emotions of a real Texas Country Music artist. He is one of the few singers working today that has the vocal ability to go where a well written song can take you. It's a very narrow field of people that have that distinction, and Allen has raised the bar to a new level on this album.

Recorded at Cherry Ridge Studios in Flooresville and produced by both Allen and Tommy Detamore,  the production on the album and the overall sound are phenomenal. Allen also has the backing of some of the finest musicians in the entire state and my personal favorites. On just about any record that has come out of Texas in the last ten years that has any kind of staying power, you will find these musicians on it. Detamore, Bobby Flores, Ronnie Huckaby, Al Quaid, Brian Dunn, this is the kind of talent that will keep people talking about their work for a lifetime. Twilight Zone is a very personal  album for Allen who wrote all but two of the songs included on it and there are even some unexpected twists and turns on the songs he didn't write. Have you ever considered Stevie Wonder's song 'I Just Called To Say I Love You' a country song? You will when you hear Allen's version.

I have several picks from the album, 'I Can't Hide This Heartache' was one of my favorites, powerful vocal, soaring harmonies, dead on steel guitar work, great stuff. 'Elvis Tonight' is a fun song, warping back to the fifties sound and forcing you to have a shaky right leg. 'Jenny Lee', a duet featuring Deryl Dodd is a driving song  with a just a hint of Bakersfield in the mix.'I Can't Let You Go', 'He's Still Dancin' With Her', 'Lost', all great songs that contribute to the whole album.

And last but not least, the album is capped off by a fantastic gospel song, 'When I See God' that is certainly a perfect finish for an album that I consider one of the best albums released this year. Check it out and you'll see why it was nominated as Album Of The Year from Austin Music City, a designation given only to five albums all year. For more info go to www.jasonallenband.net or www.myspace.com/jasonallenband .