forming as vocalist and touring in a number of acts as far back as the ’80s with Oracle and later with Tredegar, which, featured several members of Budgie a band widely considered to be one of the first heavy metal bands and a seminal influence to many acts in that niche. Tredegar have collaborated with members of Cloven Hoof, Persian Risk and even Black Sabbath. Taking his experience into account, there was no doubt Allan had the skill and talent demanded of a vocalist, but in his words; “It was a totally different style of music; and people were sceptical, they wondered if I could change, and at first, so did I. After the first rehearsal though, I raised a couple of eyebrows, people were impressed.” The current line up of Come in Leon is members who have made a name for themselves performing in and around Gibraltar, be it as a regular in the Eliott Jazz Night or as a live act in Lord Nelson, and each one of them has, at some point or another, graced the stage at Allan’s establishment. Come in Leon is currently preparing for the launch of its debut album Sugar in the Ashtray composed, recorded and performed by Allan and Jay Alman, Danny De Lara, Tristan Howes and
Charlie Moore. The songs were recorded in and around Rock on the Rock including, as Allan puts it; “Weird places, but it seems to have worked.” Sugar in the Ashtray will be released in December to coincide with a live performance in Rock on the Rock on 23rd December, featuring new performers and a few guests including Nicky Gonzalez on sax, Chris Calderon on keyboards and Jenson ‘Jay’ Callejon on drums. The album will also be available on iTunes and will be released with a video of the band by Donovan Torres. Half of the band’s profits for the show and the album will be donated to charity. “Our main focus is recognition,” says Allan. “Money is good, it shows
a band’s success, but what we want is recognition for the work the band has put in, and if we can do some good while we’re at it, all the better.” So to all rockers, moshers and head-bobbers, this is an event not to be missed. With the money going to a good cause, it is very hard to think of a good reason not
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Money is good, it shows a band’s success, but what we want is recognition for the work the band has put in
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2011
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Jay Alman is credited as composer but can be heard performing on the up-coming CD
Photo: David Rodriguez
Danny De Lara performing at Battle of the Bands 2011
to show your support. Hardcore supporters should pick up the CD or download the album on iTunes and be treated to a rare performance by Jay Alman, and see this talented young man is not only a competent composer, but more than holds his own with these Rock on the Rock veterans.n
Photo: Mark Galliano
Steene Busto and Tristan Howes performing at Rock on the Rock
Photo: Mark Galliano
music scene
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