When you release an album and your last name is Allman, people will pay attention. This brings us to Devon Allman and his solo debut album, Turquoise.

Devon is the son of Gregg Allman, one of the founding members of the Allman Brothers. Devon’s parents divorced when he was an infant, and he had little contact with his famous father until he was a teenager. He was influenced by hard rock bands such as Kiss but now has settled into a rock/blues fusion sound that has been associated with his father and The Allmans.

He formed the band Honeytribe in 1999 that are now on hiatus, since most of his attention and energy has been directed toward his involvement with his new band, Royal Sothern Brotherhood. Other members of his current band include vocalist/percussionist Cyril Neville, guitarist Mike Zito, bassist Charlie Wooten, and drummer Yonrico Scott.

Allman has now stepped forward with his first solo release. He has formed a basic power trio with band mate Scott and bassist Myles Weeks with a few guests scattered among the 11 tracks.

Most of his solo music falls into a Southern rock and electric blues groove. He is an impeccable guitarist who is a credit to his last name. His lyrics may need some honing here and there, but the music is catchy and gritty. He is able to carry the sound with his guitar runs and vocals.

“When I Left Home” is his best lyrical creation on this disc. It contains wonderful imagery as well as some solid slide guitar play by Luther Dickinson, which fills in the sound and is the perfect foil for Devon. This autobiographical song leaves you wanting more of the same. “Yadira’s Lullaby” moves in a different direction, featuring some smooth acoustic guitar play.

“Time Machine” explores a subtle jazz direction. The only non-original song is a cover of the Tom Petty/Stevie Nicks tune, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.” Samantha Fish joins him for a duet, making this track very different from the rest of the material on the disc.

Rating: B

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