John Allen

     John Allen, known affectionately by some as "Johnny Thunder", has been a staple of the San Diego Reggae scene for over 14 years.  Interested in music as a child, John began to study the trombone in 6th grade.  By age 12 he supplemented trombone with private guitar lessons, and soon focused his full attention to the guitar.  John's talents earned himself a full scholarship to Grossmont College where he studied under Fred Benedetti in the classical guitar ensemble.  In 1997 John left the ensemble, guitar in hand, to begin performing and touring with local SD reggae band "Overstand."  His love and passion for reggae soon made it the focus of his music career.  In 1998 he met up with Elijah Emanuel and became the bassist for Elijah Emanuel & The Revelations.  John performed full time with the band for 7 years eventually switching from bass to drums.  He joined The Devastators in 2002 as the bands drummer, and has been holding down the foundation ever since.  His multi-instrumental talents make him an in-demand session musician as he is proficient at drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards.  John can currently be seen playing drums with The Devastators, Elijah Emanuel & The Revelations, Big Mountain, and Quinazo.       

John Allen's Discography

• Overstand "Moving Forward"
• Overstand "Morning Herbs"
• Elijah Emanuel & The Revelations "La Lucha Continua"
• Elijah Emanuel & The Revelations "Persistence of Vision"
• Elijah Emanuel & The Revelations "Tres Sangres"
• Maiz "Feed Your Spirit"
• PHD's "Can't Get Enough"
• Compilation "Without Apology Reggae Free Mumia"
• The Devastators "Frontline"
• The Devastators "Better Days"
• The Devastators "Lights of Tomorrow"
• Quinazo "La Ofrenda"
• James Alger "You Could Be The One EP"