Multitalented musician most notably known for his harmonica skills. Allison also played guitar, keyboards and sang in many local groups including Kinda Country, Jim Sellers Band, American Heart Band, Hijinx, and Great Train Robbery. Some of these groups toured nationally. Jim also toured as a member of acoustic duo Allison & Blake, and had road stints with sax legend Ace Cannon, and country stars Johnny Lee, and Lorrie Morgan.
In 1990 Jim signed an endorsement with Hohner, Inc. and was recognized as one of the world’s foremost diatonic harmonica players. The Jim Allison Blues Project band consisted of many members throughout the ‘90s-00s. Hijinx played “everything from country to soul” and featured vocalists Ann Marie, and Alice Wilhoit. Jim also performed as a solo.
In 1998 he released his independent album “Acoustic Blues” accompanied with Kenny Jones (guitar), Dennis Michaels (bass), and John Coale (drums), with guest performances by Viki Childs (vocals), and Jon Glik (fiddle). His 2001 CD “Texas Sun” featured some musicians from the area of Corpus Christi, Texas, where he had made his home, along with members of Great Train Robbery: Allison (lead vocals, harmonica, guitar), Bobby Betlejewski (electric guitar), Rudy Llanes (guitar), Rich Mascari (guitar, vocals), Ben Sherman (guitar), Marc Moss (guitar, bass, vocals), Dave Capozolli (bass), Dennis Michaels (bass), Mike Gregory (keyboards), John Coale (drums, percussion), and Viki Childs (vocals).
In ‘00s Jim played frequently at Nathan Henry’s in Sykesville. He passed away in 2005 after a long battle with cancer.
1998(CD) Acoustic Blues
2001(CD) Texas Sun
2003(CD) Down in Arkansas Pass
