I always marvel at the new artists that materialize in New Jersey. I have been on the scene since 1980 and I have seen a lot of talent come and go, but I never seem to catch a lot of it as it sneaks up on me. However, that is part of the fun. Discovering new music is akin to finding a cache of hidden whiskey or digging up a tin canister full of twenty-dollar bills. Trust me, I have found both of those. Kevin John Allen is a Shoreworld artist that resides in that same strange, magical category with his new CD, Dark Songs Written On Black Guitars.

To be honest, I do not even know where this person came from. Hailing from strange parts unknown, Mr. Allen materialized with the oceanfront mist one day and has been here ever since. Dark Songs Written On Black Guitars features some great local artists and seasoned players in their own right. Comprised of Bo Pezzulo on guitar, John Mulrenan on bass and keys, Raymond Sorrentino on guitars, Cat Cosentino, Emily Grove, Jimmy Sickels and so many more on backing vocals, KJA and friends unveil a family sized style of music that…