DownTown Mystic

The sound of DownTown Mystic is vintage yet modern. An industry trade publication put it this way: "DownTown Mystic’s music is inspired by ‘60s pop icons, ‘70s rockers, yet it’s planted firmly in the here and now".

DownTown Mystic started as the alter ego of Sha-La Music President, Robert Allen, then morphed into a group project, combining forces with a stellar cast of musicians (including members of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and Paul McCartney & Wings).

DownTown Mystic's new cd, "Standing Still", is the 3rd release from the enigmatic artist. Blending story telling songs with vintage guitars and analog recording into a unique style that owes nods to Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Poco, The Beatles & Stones, DownTown Mystic's music is rooted in all the great traditions of American Rock'n'Roll.

On playing Roots/Rock'n'Roll, Robert says, "there's a good deal of Country in the roots of Rock'n'Roll. Going back to Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Everly Bros. and even the Skiffle craze in Britain that had a big influence on The Beatles, Country was in the 'feel' that was a big part of that music". And it's a big part of what makes "Standing Still" DownTown Mystic's most fully realized album to date. It's a record that Robert has wanted to make for years, completing a cycle that started with DownTown Mystic's previous cds, "Rock'n'Roll 4 The Soul" & "Read The Signs".

"Standing Still" has easily been DownTown Mystic's most successful album to date...from the great reviews and strong radio airplay to charting on the Americana and Euro/Americana Charts...and topping it all off with DownTown Mystic signing a multi album European Licensing Deal with AGR Television Records in Germany!

Robert had always been interested in a group sound for the project and found what he was looking for on "Standing Still", by bringing in Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Wings/Ian Hunter) on Drums and Paul Page (Dion/Ian Hunter/Smithereens) on Bass. Robert also got to work with one of the great rhythm sections in the history of American Rock'n'Roll--Garry Tallent & Max Weinberg of the E Street Band.

Once in the studio, Robert decided to enlist the "Master of the Startocaster", Lance Doss, to help flesh out some guitar parts and bring his usual high quality level of playing to the studio. Robert also brought in Bruce Engler, an artist he had once managed, to help back him up on vocals and lay down some of his signature slide work. With the sessions going so well, Robert cut some of Bruce's songs with Steve & Paul and ended up producing and writing with Bruce for Bruce's own album, "Go Back".

The genesis of DownTown Mystic had its beginnings as an experiment when Robert was working in the studio with one of his artists, The Discontent. Robert became intrigued with the idea of playing his more classic rock sounding songs with modern rock musicians. So he recorded some tracks with the band and liked the results from the sessions. He would continue to work on the tracks in his spare time, and included some of his other artists.

Robert thought some of the tracks came out so good that he decided to test out a song to see what the reaction, if any, would be. He found out in a rather dramatic way when he got a call with the news that veteran tastemaker Jed The Fish played his track off of an Industry compilation cd as his "Catch of The Day" on "World Famous" KROQ in LA, one of the most influential modern rock stations. This would lead to some national airplay.

When the "Mayor of The Sunset Strip", legendary KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, played another track, Robert knew it was time to go back into the studio and finish recording enough tracks for a full-length album. This led to radio airplay at commercial & non commercial AAA, as well as at College & Internet Radio.

"DownTown Mystic is really remarkable for its sound, a unique combination of R&R, Blues & Country. But a sound is not enough to give a band a reputation. DownTown Mystic has got a good spirit and a good energy . Vocally and instrumentally, DownTown Mystic is a real pleasure: a pure sound with a brilliant producton and top musicians gives the listener the feeling there is still reasons to hope in Music. Listen to this band and you'll hear a band with a real musical personality; a band that plays with honesty, simplicity, efficiency." Mike Penard "The DJ" / "American Roots Music" on RadioISA

"Downtown Mystic is a powerful rock band that has the sounds of good old rock and roll. With a hint of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band plus many other great rockers, Downtown Mystic is an uptown band for those who love to rock..." Jeffrey Rubin/BananaPeelRadio

"Down Town Mystic creates real and important soul music. This music is not to be missed and should be a 'must listen' for anyone who loves roots and soul music." Chris Keaton, Keaton Music Ventures

"One of the best albums of the year"...John Shelton Ivany

DownTown Mystic has been featured on Industry compilation cds for Triple A Radio with Steely Dan, John Hiatt, Ray Davies, John Mellencamp, Ryan Adams, Jackie Greene, Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, John Mayer, Black Crowes, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams, Ray LaMontagne, Fountains of Wayne, Gnarls Barkley, Marc Cohn, Carole King, Judy Collins, Back Door Slam, Cary Brothers, Mark Ronson w/Amy Winehouse, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, Bare Naked Ladies, Five For Fighting, Shelby Lynne, Bjork, Jonatha Brooke, Keb' Mo', among others...