Ruf Records Signs Devon Allman and Will Release His Debut Solo CD, Turquoise, on February 12, 2013 New Album Produced by Multi-Grammy Winner Jim Gaines and Features Royal Southern Brotherhood Bandmate Yonrico Scott on Drums, Plus Special Guests Luther Dickinson and Samantha Fish
ATLANTA, GA – Ruf Records announces the signing of guitarist/singer Devon Allman and a February 12, 2013, release date for his debut solo album, Turquoise. Ruf Records is distributed in the U.S. by the Allegro Corporation. Turquoise was produced and mixed by multi-Grammy winner Jim Gaines and recorded at his Bessie Blue Studios in Stantonville, Tennessee, as well as at Ardent Studios in Memphis. Devon Allman (vocals and guitars) is joined on the new CD in a core trio set-up that features his fellow Royal Southern Brotherhood bandmate Yonrico Scott (drums and percussion), as well as Myles Weeks (upright and electric bass). Special guests include Luther Dickinson (guitar), Samantha Fish (vocals), Ron Holloway (sax), Bobby Schneck Jr. (guitar) and Rick Steff (Hammond B3 organ).
Devon Allman spent last year as a member of Royal Southern Brotherhood, the Ruf Records band he formed along with Cyril Neville (percussion and vocals), Mike Zito (guitar and vocals), Charlie Wooton (bass) and Yonrico Scott (drums). The group’s debut self-titled CD was released in May and has been in the Top 15 on the Billboard blues chart for six months, also generating extensive radio airplay and rave critical reviews from the press.
Turquoise is loaded with very personal, honest and powerful tunes in its 11-track song list. In “Turn Off the World,” one of Devon’s most insightful compositions on the new CD, he asks to go where he can “wash off this rock and roll” so that he can cleanse his soul to start anew and refresh his mind after spending so much time on the road. “Homesick,” carries that sentiment further and was the first song written for Turquoise.
“The last 10 years I’ve spent in hotels, airplanes, taxis, truck stops, etc.,” says Allman about the track “This song is dedicated to my family for putting up with my absence.” He demonstrates his affinity for Latin and African music on the rhythmic “There’s No Time” (co-written by rising star guitarist Tyler Stokes); weaves an insightful autobiographical tale on “When I Left Home” (with guest Luther Dickinson adding some slinky lead and slide guitar); and pares down to the quietest of places on the lovely “Yadira’s Lullaby” (which recalls his late uncle Duane’s acoustic guitar on the classic “Little Martha”). Turquoise represents some of the finest work in Devon Allman’s career thus far, engaging in its scope and thrilling in its execution. This is an album of reflection of Devon’s past life and it’s the stories that only he can tell.
“These songs are very special to me,” says Allman. “It’s part ‘dusty road driving music’ and part ‘tropical getaway’ music. These are the stories, feelings and reflections from my last couple of decades of forging my musical path.”
The 10 originals on Turquoise include two co-written with RSB brother Mike Zito, plus a blazing version of Tom Petty’s “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” that really rocks, courtesy of some righteous vocals by Devon and special guest Samantha Fish.
Currently based in St. Louis, Devon Allman was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he grew up surrounded by a humble life along with his mother. His first love affair with music came at a young age, eventually becoming a spiritual calling that wouldn’t stop. It wasn’t long before he and his guitar joined bands, and in 1999 Devon formed his Southern rock jam band, Honeytribe. While his breakthrough into the music industry may have been blunted by his choice not to use his illustrious surname, it served the purpose of his having to avoid the burden of the barrage of questions about his famous father that even he was unsure of how to answer. Over the years, Devon has joined his illustrious dad as a special guest during The Allman Brothers Band’s legendary series of shows at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Today, he embraces who he is and where he’s been, knowing that he has paved his own way on Turquoise.
What the press is saying:
“Turquoise is well-crafted, more reflective than fiery, and soulful.” — USA Today
“By blending ’70s soul, Memphis R&B, and slinky minor-key grooves, Devon Allman has found a way to extend his family’s amazing musical lineage on his own terms.” - Premier Guitar
“…be mesmerized by the sweet guitar licks and smooth rhythms then let Allman’s voice infiltrate your ears.” Examiner.com
As this musical time machine gets bigger and bigger, Devon gets a huge honor of being a part of the Nation Blues Museum in St. Louis as member of the Board of Directors, to help mold and be a voice in something so important to the city’s character as a place for blues music lovers. Allman is honored by this, “This museum will galvanize St. Louis’ reputation in the international arts community and provide a place to educate and celebrate generations of people about the importance of blues music.” This wonderful building will open to the public in 2014.
Devon is managed by Rueben Williams of Thunderbird Management (thunderbird@viscom.net).
Click on photo: 
Official Video: “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” with Samantha Fish
