Allan Comeau

Music:

Member Since: 7/4/2007
Band Website: topangarecords.com - also - DrComeau.com
Band Members: Allan Comeau - vocals, guitars
Arthur Barrow - bass, guitar, keyboards, recording and mixing
Loni Specter - guitar, vocals
Leonard Krubsack, keyboards
Paul Daniels - vocals
Moira Marquis - vocals, final mastering
Evan Shapiro - guitar
Patty Fiden - vocals
Johnny Szmyd - vocals
Julian Comeau - vocals
Joseph McDonald - percussion
Mel Lee - percussion

View Allan J. Comeau's EPK

Radio stations can get access to high-quality audio files of Allan's songs from Airplay Direct at this URL: http://www.airplaydirect.com/allancomeau

Influences: The Beatles--John, Paul, George, and Ringo--provided the original inspiration for Allan's musical journey. Note the bridge verse in "Everybody Needs." where Allan's vocal was inspired by George Harrison's singing and compositional sensibility.

James Taylor's influence looms large. JT's gentlemanly manner of presentation (except in his more raucous tunes, e.g., "Steamroller") conveys sucha powerful sense of joy and connection. See Paul Zollo's recent interview with JT in American Songwriter. "You Can Close Your Eyes" was a perpetual goodnight song in the Comeau home. His daughter, Siri, grown up as she is, still asks him to play it for her when she visits.

Neil Young's "Cinammon Girl" is still in Allan's set--now a bit acousticized, but still a rocker. Young exudes raw presence and committment of purpose in all he does musically.

Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson are unexpected influences, in that it's not so much about CDs or LPs in his collection, but more the lingering effect of those vocal and songwriting giants that has found its way in his own vocal style. Perhaps Country music's greatest contribution, besides an almost innocent kind of honesty of expression, is the presence of the full voice of the singer--not as volume, but the complete use of the vocal apparatus.

Dylan's autobiographical treatment, "Chronicles," provided a huge inspirational boost to Allan's creative process. That image of BD backing his pick-up truck into the garage that is his store of life experience was one of many catalyzing moments, bringing out the rest and the best in Allan's own storytelling.

Allan's guitar style will probably never be compared with that of Leo Kotke, yet from the day that Allan opened for him at a U-Mass coffee shop around 1969, and then again saw him play "Eight Miles High" (among many spectacular songs) in Hollywood just a few years ago, Allan has been looking for ways to blend his flat-picking style with three and four-finger picking technique. It's hopeless, but thanks for the influence.

More have given so much to inspire and show the way. Hope to mention them soon.
Sounds Like: Music Connection says Arlo Guthrie and Peter, Paul and Mary (for the folky harmonies and choruses, I think). Others say John Fogerty, John Mayer, John Lennon (John's my middle name - coincidence?). What do you think - I'll post your responses (if they are reasonable). AC

In a recent review, Blue Boogie CD Reviews, wrote:
“Classifying Allan Comeau isn’t simple, yet it might not be necessary. According to the man, who is practicing clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, “everything changes” and thus a classification of his music other than roots music is not required. From the catchy opener “You Can’t Catch Me” over to “Sin to Be Saved” and “Lay Down Your Guns” one can acquire a taste for the better kind of music Allan has to offer.
The general tone of this album is a mix of country and folk tunes sung with a fresh voice and inspired by the daily things in live. From a homeless man that usually walks the streets, a family that lost their son in Iraq or a play like the Wizard of Oz, for Allan these are the bricks that build our daily live. Inspiration is to be found in the most common things but you have to see it! Life Is in Session contains twelve self-penned tunes plus two covers and is a mix of emotions and feelings. Next to the common things in life, Allan Comeau also has eye for the more extreme experiences. In O Katrina the man sings about the tropical storm that hit the US some years ago, while “Lay Down Your Guns” is a smart anti war song. “Sin to Be Saved” toys around with the blues and Chuck Berry’s Promised Land & Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah makes the trip complete. Hot pick of this album for me is “Best Man”…
Mr Blue Boogie.
Record Label: Topanga Records
Type of Label: Indie