In the fall of 2007, Brent Allen released his 2^nd album, “There’s A Lot of Folks Like Me” to a worldwide audience earning rave reviews from fans and critics alike. One reviewer even deemed it in his top 10 country albums of 2007. At the album’s core are, of course, the songs – many of which were written by Brent and producer Stephen Doster; True-to-life stories about life, love, infidelity and some great two-stepping tunes. With performances from musicians from Grammy® Award-winners Asleep at The Wheel, George Strait’s Ace in The Hole band and featuring a duet with Texas legend Dale Watson, Brent thought that this record would surely be the highlight of his career.

 

“I grew up listening to Asleep at The Wheel, George Strait and love Dale Watson, and now they’re here on this album! It really is a dream come true to have them playing my songs” Brent says. “But after I first saw Dale (Watson) perform live, I knew that I wanted to capture that energy for my shows, and had my work cut out for me to get it.”

 

Brent started assembling a band just before the album was scheduled to be completed, and began to work up the live portion of his music with talented players who’ve since come and gone, as happens with many bands. But one member of the band who’s been with Brent the longest has been drummer Bill Swearingen, who has also been doubling as the band’s booking manager. 

 

“I don’t think we would’ve been able to get nearly as far as we have had it not been for Bill’s hard work and dedication. He’s got this limitless source of energy and he’s really helped a lot in defining what we are today. But,” Brent jokes, “I always thought it was the drummers who were supposed to be the ones who never hung around very long!”

 

Today, after many miles, shows, stories and newfound friends and fans later, Brent and Bill are having a blast thanks to the help of lead guitarist Randy Barnette and bass player Travis Martin. Between the 4 of them, they’ve managed to create a sound and amazing stage energy that has club owners insisting they book another show before leaving. “These guys are so good that it makes it fun just to be around them,” says San Antonio’s Hangin’ Tree Saloon owner John Oaks.

 

Thanks to Brent and Bill’s efforts over the course of ‘08, they played 185 shows, with the goal of reaching 225 by the end of 2009 – a feat hard to accomplish for bands trying to get established, especially with so much competition in today’s Texas music scene. But with the momentum that’s been building so far, the rise to the top is something that many are anxious to see happen for the band. No one knows what’s going to happen next, but you can bet that Brent and the guys are ready!

 

See you down the road!