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Music of the WestBy Hugh McLennanJune-July 2006 Allen ChristieAllen Christie
Alberta May is a change of pace with a clever play on words. Allen wrote most of the songs here except for I Don’t Want to Be a Star written by his good friend, Ivan Daines and the traditional Lone Prairie. Allen says he remembers hearing Ivan do his song back in the ‘70s and recently requested it when he and Ivan were doing a show together. Long Branch is the first instrumental Allen has recorded and it features some great flat picking and mandolin licks. There’s a hit on this CD and it’s The Old Bronc Saddle, a tribute song to some of the great Canadian cowboys and horses that rose to fame in the rodeo arena. Allen penned the song after he played at the 2005 Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Several other musicians of note make their contribution on several tracks: Allen’s regular performing partner Riley Tubbs on bass, Sharky Schauer on dobro, Mark Massicotte on drums (the drums were sometimes a hat box) and Tammy Gislason adds some harmony vocals and rhythm guitar, with additional harmony sung by Amber Williams. |
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My first exposure to Allen Christie’s talent was when he and Riley Tubbs were backing up the charming Tammy Gislason, and I was impressed. Great guitar work, good voice, good ear for harmony and dynamic stage presence too. His new CD gives you a good sampling of songs that really show his versatility. Makin’ 8 should be dedicated to Dianne Finstad of RDTV. It’s got a great driving beat, and catches the essence of a rodeo bronc rider and has some very interesting lyrics.