Allen Collins Band-Here, There and Back (1983)

Emerging from the ashes of the Rossington Collins Band, formed by guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, former members of the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, came the Allen Collins Band. This band, in addition to Allen Collins, included keyboardist Billy Powell, bassist Leon Wilkeson, guitarists Randall Hall and Barry Le Harwood, and vocalist Jimmy Dougherty. Following in the footsteps of Lynyrd Skynyrd, they based their style on Southern rock and the blues typical of Jacksonville. However, unlike their parent band, the Allen Collins Band showcased a more accessible and commercially viable version of the characteristic sound of the American South, with a less abrasive and energetic Southern rock sound, lacking the influence of soul, country, and hard rock. Their only release was recorded at the famous Studio One in Georgia, an iconic studio used by major bands of the genre such as 38 Special and Atlanta Rhythm Section, among many others. Comprising a series of songs closer to AOR and mainstream rock, but always filtered through the unmistakable lens of Southern rock, tracks like “Just Trouble”, “Hangin’ Judge”, “Ready To Move”, and “Chapter One” appear, while “Everything You Need” is perhaps the only moment where the band's original roots subtly shine through. Despite its undeniable quality, this single release failed to achieve the desired commercial success, leading to the Allen Collins Band's definitive breakup after a subsequent tour.