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Preview: Left-hand smoke

The Max Allen Band, The Twin Cats and Austin Bridges
Music Mill
Saturday, Nov. 25, 9 p.m.
$5

Soulful Max Allen releases ‘Earthwalker’ blues CD

Max Allen brings his sensational blues-rock licks to the Music Mill this Saturday to celebrate the release of his fourth CD, Earthwalker.

The 21-year-old Avon High School graduate has been compared to Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton and Jonny Lang for his ability to compose and perform stellar guitar-driven tracks with a heavy blues-rock edge. Performing live since age 16, Allen has garnered praise and grabbed the attention of a growing number of fans for what he calls “fock” — a funky blues rock style that highlights both his strong vocals and guitar abilities.

Having fronted the blues-based band Max Allen and the Jam Band for two years, Allen recently opted for a change in direction and formed The Max Allen Band, which explores several genres of music, including jazz, funk, R&B and rock. With Shaan France on drums and Shawn Bryant on bass, the trio has been touring the national college circuit and winning over crowds with powerful live performances.

Their new CD features 13 tracks, most notably “Underwear Umbrella,” “On the Road” and the title cut, “Earthwalker.” Each of the tunes is driven by the high-energy sound that has earned Allen the reputation of guitar prodigy. France’s drums and Bryant’s subtle but skillful bass playing are the perfect complement for Allen’s songs, and the band comes together on every track to deliver a technically solid and highly enjoyable sound that makes it nearly impossible to sit still.

While the concert will feature songs from the new CD, Allen’s penchant for jam band improv will probably mean the live show will give fans a chance to experience the new songs in an incarnation the studio tracks can’t capture.