2016 – Ruf Records
By Phillip Smith; Oct. 21, 2016
Ride Or Die,
the third solo album from Devon Allman
is quite strong and very bold. Recorded
in Nashville, this rocking, soulful and
rootsy recording confidently hits on all cylinders. Allman
returns to the studio with co-producer/drummer Tom Hambridge, along with guitarist/bassist Tyler Stokes, bassist Steve
Duerst, saxophonist Ron Holloway,
violinist Bobby Yang, and keyboardist
Kevin McKendree.
Best played loud, “Say Your
Prayers” masterfully ushers in the album, firing off catchy marching riffs and wavy
psychedelic licks. Allman adds more
heat to the swirling rock anthem “Galaxies”, asking “when galaxies collide,
will you ride or die?” Allman performs
this one with a beautiful intensity. Allman sings “Watch What You Say” with the
attitude and suaveness of Tom Jones. His vocals, dripping with soul and conviction,
are wonderfully accented with his stellar guitar playing. I love the bouncy folky rhythm Allman threads through “Live From the
Heart”. It is contagious and a sheer
delight. He then wraps the album up with
“A Night Like This”, a big meaty track consisting of jet-streamed riffs, lush
keys and bubbly blasts of sax. I can’t
help but think of James Bond when I
hear this fabulous piece. It truly would
make for an astounding 007 theme song.
Ride Or Die
is a lovely album, and is Allman’s
best work yet.
