Big House Down

The Big House Down Band plays original music with a bluesy folk-rock flair. Alan's folk and jazz tinged vocals and guitar are backed by Aaron on bass/vocals and Sean on drums bringing a synergy that makes our original songs come to life. 

From Alan:

I grew up in sunny southern California and liked listening to my parents' records of artists like Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins and Mahalia Jackson. These influences along with my grandmother, who was a singer-songwriter and guitarist, inspired me to learn guitar and, eventually, write my own songs.

Other influences include my wonderful wife, our three amazing boys and our adventures living in Asia for 10 years. More recently, we've made our home in the Arkansas Ozarks where I continue my quest to "paint" with words and music.

Painting with words is a lofty goal indeed and I try to do just that in every line. I grew up listening to my parents' vinyl records of Marty Robbins, Mahalia Jackson, Johnny cash, etc. and the impact of those great artists on my own musical expression is evident - I hope.

The sources I draw from are varied, including folk, rock, gospel, flamenco and Asian (I spent 10 years in Asia) among others. My family traveled a lot when I was a kid and those cherished memories often find their way into my writing as well.

My desire is to strike a chord of commonality - to tap in to our shared condition - and make a connection: your engagement, an ocean sunset, the smell of desert rain or a train ride in another country. I have similar memories connected to other people's songs. I hope you can make memory connections with some of my music.

Musical Styles: Fingerstyle Guitarist, Blues, Jazz, Rock (vocals & guitar)

Influences: Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins, Switchfoot

Instruments Played: Martin Acoustic/Electric, Fender Strat Electric, Gretsch Streamliner Electric