Biography
Alan was born and raised in Blandville, Kentucky. His early musical training came from piano lessons and singing gospel music a capella in the family church. He began to play guitar in his early twenties, taking inspiration from the music of Bill Monroe, Taj Mahal, Arlo Guthrie, and Van Morrison. From the start he injected his own unique insight and rhythms into the music of others, often creating a whole new sound for an old standard.In 1972, guitar in hand, Alan moved to Montana and worked as a timber faller. In 1981 his musical aspirations were almost tragically cut short when he lost his right arm in a logging accident. Determined to keep playing music Alan designed his "Thumper", a leather cuff with a guitar pick fixed to it with two small nuts and bolts. The "Thumper" allows him to strum the guitar quite smoothly, even picking out lead and melody patterns.With encouragement from friends and family, Alan started playing locally at clubs and social gatherings with his wife Wendy on the mandolin. It wasn't long before his unique sound and ability to make any song his own began creating a stir in northwest Montana. As a result, bowing to public demand Alan recorded his first CD, "Western Tracks". The CD was recorded at Northwest Music in the summer of 2000 with Frank Chiaverini adding various instruments to the mix along with sharing the production credits.June 13, 2003 saw the release of his latest album, "Danger Zone". A far bluesier work than his first effort, it features the songwriting of folks like Tom Waits, Percy Mayfield, Randy Newman, Greg Brown, Van Morrison, T-Bone Walker, Leadbelly, Delbert McClinton, and Robin Trower among others. A very eclectic collection to be sure. For additional information on bookings, tour dates, CD and cassette sales contact Alan at (406) 295-5307 or contact Northwest Music & Hot Club Cafe at Box 722, Troy, Montana, phone (406) 295-5541 or e-mail: alanblane@hotmail.com. 
