Maverick Magazine. Review of Fake American Accent, Oct/ Nov 09 

Rating 5 (out of 5)

Outrageous banjo picking and sublime fiddling by an artist who has the talent of being able to play these difficult-enough instruments whilst tap dancing and singing at the same time.

Based in Dorset and responsible for what can only be described as a remarkable talent of being able to tap dance whilst playing either the banjo or fiddle as well as singing as though he’s come straight from 1930’s Louisiana, Stompin’ Dave Allen is one guy whose skill is best demonstrated, if not seen at one of his many gigs, in this twenty-seven release which is actually his third album.

Some downright classic tracks are attempted on this album and by all means he doesn’t diminish his credentials as a top-class performer with his own renditions of them. The Wabash Cannonball is certainly a perfect example of this. Attempted here on banjo with his dancing more than evident, I can vouch for his dancing talents as having personally seen him live countless times which is quite a sight to see. This particular version has a most genuine and authentic sound which I’m sure The Carter Family wouldn’t object to listening all the way through with the concluding few seconds most awesome. Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down has been interpreted in countless versions, with some done to more success than others, but here Stompin’ Dave can count himself in the former due to his version being recorded in such a euphoric style that it makes you want to see this artist live. A track I haven’t heard for some time appears on this album, and boy how it was a complete surprise and delight to hear. The track being Charlie Monroe’s It’s Only A Phonograph and played on acoustic guitar, Stompin’ Dave’s version is one which tries to keep true to the original version and hits the spot in many ways. Maybe it’s the style of the picking or the tone of his own vocals is neither here or there, but when tracks by the greats are recorded with such love and, most importantly, talent to pull it off than artists like Charlie Monroe can be continually celebrated for years to come.

Never have I seen or heard an artist quite like Stompin’ Dave Allen. How the heck he had the idea to start playing bluegrass music whilst tap dancing is beyond me but does that matter when his music is as good as this? Russell Hill