24 year-old Max Allen is a singer / songwriter / guitarist who has been performing professionally since the age of 16. He has nearly 1,000 performances to his credit at various clubs, music venues, colleges and festivals in almost half of the states in the country.
Known for his intricate guitar work, catchy lyrics and contagious melodies, his music is BEST described as a high energy combination of jazz, blues, funk and rock. But Allen also has a softer side witnessed through his collection of acoustic works.
With five albums to his credit, Allen's last two full-band albums, "Earthwalker" (2006) and "That's Why" (2003) as well as his solo acoustic album "Uphill" (2009) each provide a solid variety of music and provide a glimpse of what the future might hold for this talented young musician. A sixth album (full-band) is currently in progress and is expected to be released in early 2009.
Allen is a member of the Home Grown Music Network.
Latest News
"Underwear Umbrella" which is the opening track from Max's new CD "Earthwalker", is on the CD Sampler contained in the February/March issue of Relix Magazine.
Max Allen Bio
Max Allen is a singer/songwriter/guitarist out of Indianapolis, Indiana. He has been performing professionally for over six years and 600 shows to his credit at over 100 different venues in over a dozen states. Having fronted the blues based band - Max Allen and the Jam Band for two years, Max opted for a change in direction and formed The Max Allen Band which explores several different genres of music including Jazz, Funk, R&B, and Rock. As a result of national and regional showcases for APCA and NACA, Max and his band have performed at many colleges and universities including the University of St. Thomas, US Naval Academy, Texas A&M, Miami Dade College, Broward Community College, Butler University, University of Wisconsin, Lawrence University, Ball State University and Purdue University.
Max's debut album "No Way" was released in May 2001. His second album "Mr. Big Man" was released in June of 2002. His third album "That's Why" was produced by Michael Clark and was released in June 2003. His most recent CD "Earthwalker" was released in November 2006 under the Big Walnut Record label. Max's entire catelog has received airplay on many radio stations in the midwest.
His guitar style and technique come from several years of instruction in multiple genres of music, including blues, jazz, rock, and classical. He has received formal training from some of the best artists in central Indiana since he was 8 years old. He most recently studied under classical guitarist and Butler University professor Brett Terrell.
Max has had the privilege of performing with a number of great musicians, including some of the Midwest's best talent such as: Gene Deer, Gordon Bonham, Mike Milligan, Steve Brown, Tony Cheesebourough, J. Wesley Smith, Dave Morgan, Jess Richmond, and Governor Davis and the Blues Ambassadors. Max has also had the great fortune of opening for and or performing with several nationally known artists such as: The Clarks, Jim Ryser, Larry Crane, Chris Duarte, Dishwalla, Carrie Newcomer, The Spin Doctors, Otiel Burbridge and Dickie Betts (of Allman Brothers fame), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Ekoostik Hookah and Umphrey's McGee.
Max's musical stage presence, improvisational skills and showmanship are well developed. Known for his fiery guitar licks, smooth vocals and meaningful lyrics, his live performances and delivery place him in the upper echelon of rising artists on the circuit today. Fans as well as venue managers have remarked about his spontaneity, ability to relate to diverse age groups and his overall entertainment value.