Alright Guy (CD - 2001)

Personnel: Gary Allan (vocals, guitar); Jake Kelly, Joe Manuel, John Willis (acoustic guitar); Brent Rowan (electric guitar); Robby Turner (steel guitar); Hank Singer (mandolin, fiddle); Steve Nathan (keyboards); Michael Rhodes (bass); Chad Cromwell (drums); Harry Stinson, John Wesley Ryles (background vocals).

Producers: Tony Brown, Mark Wright, Odie Blackmon.

In today's climate of disposable, prepackaged country stars, fans can be forgiven for not expecting very much of a performer hyped as "the surfing cowboy." Yet Gary Allan, a native Californian with a clear affection and aptitude for the music of Merle Haggard and George Strait, is more than a tag line and a pretty face. On ALRIGHT GUY, as on his breakthrough 1999 smash SMOKE RINGS IN THE DARK, Allan transcends the PR to produce a pleasing hybrid of modern, radio-friendly country and the genre's more traditional elements.

Allan has an appealing taste for the songs of country's underground songwriters: on ALRIGHT GUY he covers two by Bruce Robison (including "What Would Willie Do?" a song that seeks life advice from Willie Nelson) and one each by Jim Lauderdale ("What's On My Mind") and Todd Snider ("Alright Guy"). He imbues his more mainstream efforts ("Man to Man," "Man of Me") with an authenticity drawn from a combination of raw talent and deep, heartfelt country roots. minimize