Seattle, WA. (Top40 Charts/
Sandy Key Music) - Jim Allchin left a prestigious career at Microsoft to pursue a life-long love of music. He traded in his co-President title for a guitar and went into the studio. That's novel by itself, but the stunner is that the CD he recorded, Enigma, is a captivating mixture of rock, pop, and blues, earning 4 1/2 stars in early reviews.
Enigma releases on March 17th.
Growing up poor in the Deep South, Allchin learned to play the guitar by listening to old blues players and more mainstream artists of the day like the Allman Brothers and Santana. Though he played 16 hours a day and was widely acclaimed as a guitarist, he soon learned that timing and luck mattered as much as talent. Although he continued to play, he went back to school, earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science, and had a long and successful software career. But, music kept calling.
From the first notes of the album opener, 'Enigma Machine,' it's clear that Allchin has his own style - he may have roots in the greats, but he is beholden to no one. Modern, spacious and driving, the song sets the tone for an album striking in its diversity. 'I'm About To Fall' has a laconic blues groove that perfectly suits a tale of a man who can't help but be pulled into a new love. 'Rockin' Chair' is a hard-jamming song that is an assertion of remembering sensual pleasures while getting older, while 'She's In Love With Me' provides an ethereally dance-y and new-age sounding plea for love and companionship. 'I'm Your Man' is a pop highlight, complete with razor-sharp guitar licks, and soaring vocals to match. Enigma is sure to endear Allchin to media and listeners alike.
Musical greats including Buddy Guy and even Eric Clapton have heard Allchin's music or played with him and given him encouragement. Throughout his life, Allchin has proved himself to be a remarkable man, unshakable in his devotion to what he loves. And Enigma, in all of its diversity of styles, is true to his vision of music - a startling and compelling debut by an artist whose commitment to excellence remains unyielding.
Visit Jim Allchin's website for more detail including pictures, biographical information and other interesting facts. Enigma will be widely available March 17th. Pre-orders are available today at jimallchin.com, CD Baby, CD Freedom, and Amazon.com.
