Matt Allen
Matt started playing in bands while at college, and went on to co-found a power rockabilly and western swing band The Tex-Styles in 1986, sharing vocals and song-writing chores with Fort Worth Texas native Ryan Wilson. The Tex-Styles had a successful six year run after which time Matt continued playing with his own trio and as a part-time member in several bands including The Tennessee Rockets and King David & The Pharaohs. Matt has also shared stages with members of the Downchild Blues Band, Jack DeKeyzer, and The Razorbacks to name a few.
In 1999 Matt decided to focus his efforts in a new trio, The Swingin’ Blackjacks and released the all original “4 Hot Tracks” CD/EP. The song “I Love You So” from the CD/EP was included in the Stumble Records compilation “Zombie Night in Canada”. Career highlights for the Blackjacks include appearances at Barrie Waterfront Festival, The Distillery Blues Festival in Toronto and serving as the backing band for rock’n’roll pioneer Janice Martin in a rare 2006 Canadian appearance.
Currently Matt is splitting his attention between The Swingin’ Blackjacks and as a solo performer and songwriter. His shows are filled with strong original songs, obscure treasures and old favourites drawn from the bygone era of smoky honkytonks, sweaty juke-joints and the jumpin’ dance halls of the ‘40s & ‘50s. Matt is also the host of The Big Beat Bar-B-Cue Radio Show on Hunters Bay Radio, CKAR 88.7 FM every Sunday at 10:00am(EST)