Guitar virtuoso Alastair Greene is a name synonymous with the fusion of blues, rock, and soulful melodies. For years, he's been a stalwart sideman, lending his mastery to luminaries like Sugaray Rayford and the Alan Parsons Project. But with his latest album, Standing Out Loud, Greene steps boldly into the limelight as a frontman in his own right, ready to carve his own path.

"I feel like I've finally made the full-time transition from sideman to band leader," says the California native, whose prowess has earned him acclaim as "a major talent in the blues-rock category" by Blues Music Magazine.

Standing Out Loud is not just another album; it's a exploration of Greene's musical journey and influences. Rooted in the blues and southern rock traditions, the album builds upon the momentum of Greene's critically acclaimed solo releases, showcasing a collection of original tracks brimming with raw energy and soulful grit.

To capture the essence of his musical vision, Greene ventured to Nashville, Tennessee, in January 2024. In collaboration with co-producer JD Simo, they embarked on a whirlwind recording session at Simo's House of Grease studio, laying down eight of the album's eleven tracks in just four days.

"I knew JD was into making old-school sounding records, and I wanted to give it a try," explains Greene. With drummer Adam Abrashoff and bassist Todd Bolden rounding out the ensemble, they captured magic in the studio, delivering performances that harken back to the golden era of rock 'n' roll.

Playing in a power trio formation, Greene's electrifying guitar work shines through in tracks like the blistering opener "You Can't Fool Me" and the infectious groove of "Slow Burn," reminiscent of the iconic sounds of the Rolling Stones. "I delved into the classics before making the record, drawing inspiration from artists like the Rolling Stones and early ZZ Top," Greene reveals. "I aimed to create an album that transports listeners back to the raw energy of the '70s."

Indeed, one of the album's defining features is its brevity and directness, a nod to the concise songwriting of yesteryears. Greene's solos, though dynamic, seamlessly integrate into the fabric of each track, leaving ample room for live interpretation on stage. But Standing Out Loud isn't solely a Nashville affair. Three additional tracks were recorded live in the studio in Greene's adopted hometown of Austin, Texas, featuring bassist Mark Epstein and drummer Kevin Hall, stalwarts of the rhythm scene.

Reflecting on the album's creation, Greene expresses gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented musicians in two iconic music hubs. "I feel blessed to have worked with so many amazing players and people on this record," he enthuses. "Nashville and Austin have truly left their mark on this album."