Pete Allen, R.I.P.

Pete Allen, a blues guitarist who performed with vocalist Zora Young for some 30 years, has died.

Here's information from Delmark Records:

Albert "Pete" Allen was a severely underrated blues guitarist/vocalist on the Chicago south and west side blues scenes, playing on and off with Zora Young for over 30 years. Pete and Zora played together in a funky outfit called "The Misfits" back in the late 70's, often at the Queen Bee Lounge (now Lee's Unleaded Blues!) Pete played and recorded with many Chicago blues legends, including Magic Slim, Buddy Guy, Carey and Lurrie Bell, Artie White, and Piano C.Red.

He recently was the musical arranger and lead guitarist on Zora Young's acclaimed Tore up From the Floor Up on Delmark, recorded in September of '04. The last time I saw him was a couple of years ago at Nick's Beer Garden with Zora, and his playing blew me away. He was a wild, exciting, unpredictable, and powerful guitarist/performer, and a very friendly man. Another one of those very talented players who never got their due, and sadly died way too young.

He played on some incredibly good Chicago blues albums, including Magic Slim's best album, Grand Slam, from Rooster Records (the '82 sessions) and also on Magic Slims' Zoo Bar Collection, Vol 3 on Wolf. Carey and Lurrie Bell's Dynasty and Carey's Harpmaster, both on JSP. Artie White's American Roots:Blues on Ichiban. Zora Young's Tore Up From The Floor Up, Delmark '05

This from drummer Twist Turner says it all:

"This is really sad. Pete was one of those guys who almost never left the familiar surroundings of Chicago's southside. He was one of the cats that I'd run into and hang out with, have a couple drinks and play a tune or two with nearly every night of the week back in the 70's and early 80's. I tried to get him into the studio but he was one of those guys who was very distrustful of everyone. I've seen him play some amazing stuff over the years. It's really too bad he never recorded as a front man, he was a really gifted entertainer."

Visitation for Pete Allen will be Friday, Sept. 12, 10-11 AM at A.A. Rayner, 318 E. 71st, Chicago. The service will be across the street, 11-12 AM on the 12th.

Allen will be remembered, along with Phil Guy at the Little Arthur Duncan memorial benefit on Friday, Sept. 19 at Rosa's Lounge. Details.