Title: Givers and Takers
Artist: McAllister, Randy
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 733792371026
Genre: Rock

No wonder this album received a Grammy nomination. Out of distribution for over 5 years, it's once again available. 'Givers and Takers' is a foundation album for Rock/Blues/Americana artist Randy McAllister. 'Givers and Takers' is a seminal blend of genre where Randy establishes both his unique style and proved the depth of his message. From his upbeat sarcastic 'Brother Bob's Church and Casino' with a fast transition into the hard driving 'Collector' you have to admire the range. 'Different' is clearly autobiographical. 'When I Get Home' is another high steppin' Zydeco inspired architypical story of hope, love and family. 'Soulduster' easy hard-rocking melody delivers a tough message of rough self love. 'Esperanza' is a sunrise beautiful, latin influenced anthem featuring some of the greatest harmonica ever recorded. If you can get past the great melodies, the awe inspiring musicianship of Randy and his band members you realize that you are listening to the lyrics of legendary American songwriter as exemplified by 'Feeding Fat Cats', 'Bigger with a Trigger' and 'Straight Down The Middle Charlie'. Review by World Entertainment Network Nominated for a Grammy in 2002, Randy McAllister, singer songwriter lays out 10 tracks of solid gold that received critical acclaim industry wide. Fun to listen, this group of McAllister original works will have you foot tapping and table slapping. This is a must have for any Randy McAllister fan. Feel good Texas style blues just keep coming. Randy McAllister is one of the premier singer/songwriter/musicians to emerge from Texas. His music has been hailed as being some of the most original and innovative being made today. While comparison's are not easy, it has been said that his music is a cross between Doug Sahm, John Hiatt and Delbert McClinton, with a blues man's background and sensibilities thrown into the mix. Raised in the town of Novice, Texas, McAllister is a fifth-generation Texan, whose father was both a fireman and musician. His father was a drummer of a band called The Flames. At a very young age, he began to take up drumming, but the drums were just the beginning. McAllister found the harmonica in the early 1980's while stationed in Massachusetts as a member of the U.S. Air Force. 'Taking cues from Blues legend 'Earring George' Mayweather, a Boston resident and harmonica master. McAllister moved back to Texas in 1992, a strong and skillful harp player who was developing his vocal and songwriting skills. 'If Mark Twain had crafted a 21st century roots musician, he might have created a character like Randy McAllister, with an easy-going persona and a wry, observant wit, McAllister weaves material in the singer/songwriter tradition, with nods to a variety of styles.' He is one of those rare artists who is able to meld genres such as gospel, blues, country, Tex-Mex, rock and zydeco together and come away with something that is uniquely him.' 'In performance, his songs combine an uncontainable energy and intensity with lyrics that do not shy away from tough topics. From urban violence, homelessness and other harsh realities to more common concerns like love and dating, McAllister's songwriting approach is particularly skillful, able to be both truthful and funny. McAllister takes universal feelings and translates them into today's reality, with his own pointed style using his distinctive, soulful voice.' McAllister has released four critically praised albums beginning with his debut Diggin' for Sofa Change, followed by Grease, Grit, Dirt and Spit, the much heralded Double Rectified Bust Head, 2002 GRAMMY NOMINEE Givers and Takers, and his most recent album Temporary Fixes all built on his firm foundation of songwriting.

Tracks:
1.1 Brother Bob's Church and Casino
1.2 Collector
1.3 Scrapper and a Fighter
1.4 Different
1.5 When I Get Home
1.6 Soulduster
1.7 Esperanza
1.8 Feeding Fat Cats
1.9 Bigger with a Trigger
1.10 Straight Down the Middle Charlie