Bottomland (Skipping Stone, 2002)

Singer/songwriter Allen Dobb may be from Victoria, Canada, but his musical roots apparently extend to Austin and Nashville. The influence of Steve Earle is felt throughout the disc, particularly on the opening title track, which is reminiscent of Earle's "Copperhead Road."

Elsewhere, the vocal style of Guy Clark is recalled in the ballads "Beer Bottle Chandelier" and "Like an Angel," while the rockabilly influence of Dave Alvin is present in "Jimmy Roy." "Big Wide Open" has the most commercial sound and could fit comfortably on mainstream country radio with the likes of Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn.

Produced by Dobb along with Blair Calibaba, the disc is strong throughout with thoughtful lyrics, passionate vocals and solid accompaniment. With his second release Allen Dobb has served up an impressive collection that reveals great potential as a singer/songwriter. (1589 Mainstream road, Victoria, BC, Canada V9B 6G4)