Jim Allchin, “Decisions”
Label: Sandy Key Music
Reviewed by: Kim Walter, Aug 2017

Wow! Considering that I had never heard this name before I picked up the CD to review it, this album had rendered me almost speechless. Jim’s incredibly fleet finger action literally stunned me. This is the third album from Stanford alumnus Jim Allchin, a recognized world leader in computer science and kick ass blues guitarrist. He is master musician hobbyist, creator of what is known as “blues gone wild”. My faves were: 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 & 13..

1. med – hard driving blues guitar with a rock n roll backing
2. med - similar to #1. Good example of Jim’s most natural style
3. med – more of a traditional BLUES sound
4. slow/med – soul/funk/70’s vibe with guest vocalist Keb’ Mo’
5. med – another more traditional sounding blues number with blues scale, groove and simple lyrics
6. slow – Piano and voice dominate this love song with gentle rock back up
7. med/fast – rollicking INSTRUMENTAL song with blues piano and electricity. Amazing guitar!
8. slow/med – traditional blues song
9. slow/med – interesting folk rock/ blues combo
10. slow/med – mellow electronic guitar ballad
11. med – blues – similar sound to #5
12. slow/med - blues piano
13. slow/med – touch of blues in this rock/blues hybrid
14. slow – gentle instrumental, not really blues but clearly electric guitar