Randy McAllister’s new release, Gristle To Gold, features The Scrappiest Band in the Motherland, with Maya Van Nuys, Rob Dewan and Matt Higgins.
Randy McAllister has been flying in the face of convention his whole career — no smoke, mirrors, choreography or industry machines. One of the most versatile bluesmen in Texas, Randy plays driving drums and world-class harmonica, writes incredible songs, and sings like no one else.
Raised in the small Texas town of Novice, McAllister is a fifth-generation Texan whose father was a fireman and a drummer in a band called The Flames. Randy followed in his footsteps from a very young age, but the drums were just the beginning. McAllister found the harmonica in his early 20s while stationed in Massachusetts as a member of the US Air Force, taking cues from Boston blues legend and harmonica master “Earring George” Mayweather. By the time he returned to Texas in 1992, he was a strong, skillful harp player who was establishing his vocal and songwriting skills. In 1997, McAllister signed with JSP Records, releasing three highly acclaimed CDs before going on to issue recordings through Severn Records and Reaction Records.
“Roustabout,” “maverick,” “spiritual,” “gritty,” “genius,” “wild,” “badass,” and “soulful” are just a few of the words that have been used to describe this bona fide Texas blueblood. Gristle To Gold is East Texas roadhouse soul by one of America’s true blues/roots originals.
