Paul Allen and The Underthinkers, Everywhere At Once, Available Tuesday August 6th

I was in my favorite Sunday repose watching CBS Sunday Morning, enjoying the segment “Sunday Morning” Calendar.

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Copyright 2013 (CBS News)

I saw that music release Tuesday features the début album from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his band, “The Underthinkers,” titled Everywhere At Once. This revelation struck an immediate power chord in the music of our heart. Knowing what I do about Paul Allen’s passion for music (Experience Music Project Museum, his extensive private Jimi Hendrix collection, how he loves to jam and play with famous musicians), I had to investigate this project further.

I ensuingly discovered that Everywhere At Once pleased my palate. Paul Allen is a major league guitarist, listen to his command of the instrument on the choice, “Straw of Gold” with Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. I sampled some more tracks and my appreciation increased substantively for Paul Allen as a competent song lyricist and writer.

It hasn’t totally escaped my grasp that Allen had collaborative help with the 12 of the 13 recordings. He either wrote or co-wrote every track on Everywhere At Once. ”Inside Out” is the lone solo composition. Every other track was co-written with either Doyle Bramhall II, Ty Baillie, or Underthinkers bandmates John Bohlinger (guitar), Doug Barnett (bass guitar) and Tim Pike (vocals).

The recording has wonderful merits, a diverse yet challenging range of songs that are complemented with a sharp tonal feel. The studio production embodies sound as it is meant for us to be heard. The audio comes across pure, direct and immediate.

Paul Allen and The Underthinkers – Sony Legacy Recordings

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The album features contributions from guests Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Chrissie Hynde, Joe Walsh, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Ivan Neville, and others. I applaud the choice of musicians all of whom I collect and have heard perform live.

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© 2013 SUBMERSIBLE MUSIC INC.

I feel sympatric with Paul Allen through this quote.

“I’m still moved by the power of live music,” Paul Allen states, “and I seek it out every chance I get.”

Guitar Aficionado Magazine – Paul Allen Cover Story

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All proceeds from the recording sales will benefit the Experience Music Project’s educational initiatives.  Those resources include teen artist workshops, a music therapy camp for children with autism and developmental disabilities, and a program that provides coaching for local high school bands.

As a an EMP member I plan to buy this recording and I urge you to consider doing the same for a worthy cause.

Related articles

• Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen previews his new album, shows former Groupon CEO how it’s done (geekwire.com)

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