biography
Many music fans know Steve Allen from the years he spent in Los Angeles based pop-rock band 20/20. This connection only shows a small part of his versatility as a musician, songwriter and artist. 20/20 appeared on American Bandstand and toured nationally behind the albums they made for Epic Records. It was Steve’s song, “Yellow Pills”, that became a perennial hit on LA radio. While 20/20 is beloved by fans of power pop, Allen’s ability as a guitarist to play a variety of styles of music is overwhelming. His new record shows his continuing growth as a songwriter, singer and guitarist.
Currently Steve is playing live with several bands and a variety of solo artists. He also makes music for commercial television, film and radio. His previous solo album, In + Out of the Light, received high critical praise.
The new record, Thinline, is named for the Fender guitar that Steve bought new in 1972. This guitar has been with him through the early years of club work in Oklahoma and the 202/20 major label days in LA and touring across America, Canada and Japan. Its reliable presence and spirit is the inspiration and title of the new record. Steve played all the instruments except for bass and most drums. He was able to get some great players like Garry Tallent from the E Street band on bass and Ron Flynt from 20/20.
“I wanted this record to have tighter songs and to feature more of my guitar playing. It was written and recorded over a few years and when it came time to look for a title, that guitar tied it all together.”
