Allen Tolbert Unit

• Allen Tolbert - Guitar and Vocal
• Steve Smith - Mandolin and Vocal
• Jim Hollon - Bass

With decades of professional experience, The Allen Tolbert Unit is an acoustic band with influences ranging from the Bluegrass sounds of Alison Krauss and Tony Rice to the Jazz sounds of John Coltrane and Miles Davis, with a touch of Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley. Having opened for acts such as The John Cowan Band, Dread Clampitt, Mike Marshall and Edgar Meyer, The Allen Tolbert Unit is known for its rich musical heritage. The band features guitar, mandolin and bass as well as a banjo or second guitar occasionally.

Allen Tolbert – Guitar and Vocal

Allen Tolbert has toured professionally in the southeast for nearly 20 years. A veteran of Birmingham-based Glenn Tolbert & Company for 17 years, Allen has made hundreds of appearances ranging from festivals, weddings, churches and private parties to radio and television appearances. He appeared as a featured guest on a special youth edition of the nationally-syndicated radio broadcast of the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour, as well as performing numerous times on the Country Boy Eddie TV Show with many guests including Hank Williams III. His festival appearances include Horse Pens 40, opening for such acts as Ricky Skaggs, The Del McCoury Band, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas, Blue Highway and The Whites. Allen also performed at the Foggy Hollow Bluegrass Gatherin' nearly 20 different times, opening for acts such as Alison Krauss and Union Station, The Tony Rice Unit, J.D. Crowe and the New South, IIIrd Tyme Out, the Osborne Brothers and Claire Lynch. His debut solo CD is scheduled to be released soon.

Steve Smith – Mandolin and Vocal

Steve Smith is an accomplished mandolin player with a distinctive, original style. Showcasing a masterful sense of rhythm and tasteful solos, Steve brings a rigid drive to the band that is unmatched. A renowned singer, Steve also provides the tenor vocal for The Allen Tolbert Unit. He has over a decade of professional experience in the performing arts.

Jim Hollon – Bass

Jim Hollon is an innovative bass player with an impeccable sense of timing. By contributing songs and blazing creativity to the band, Jim has helped shape the unique sound of The Allen Tolbert Unit. His influences include Edgar Meyer, Phil Keaggy, Eric Clapton and Sam Bush, leading to a diverse pedigree that is an important asset to the band. Jim is a master entertainer.

• Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone - Jimmy Martin
• All Blues - Miles Davis
• All Good Times Are Past and Gone - Flatt and Scruggs
• Big Country - Jimmy Martin
• Big River - Johnny Cash
• Big Spike Hammer - The Osborne Brothers
• Blue Moon of Kentucky - Bill Monroe, Elvis
• Blue Night - Bill Monroe
• Blue Railroad Train - The Delmore Brothers
• Blue Ridge Cabin Home - Flatt and Scruggs
• Bringing in the Georgia Mail - Charlie Monroe
• Caravan - Duke Ellington
• Chim Chim Cheree - Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke
• Cold on the Shoulder - Gordon Lightfoot
• Crazy Train - Ronnie Bowman
• Crying Holy unto the Lord - Osborne Brothers
• Darling Corey - Monroe Brothers
• Don't Give Your Heart to a Rambler - Jimmy Martin
• Don't You Ever - Big Smith
• Driving Nails in My Coffin - Ernest Tubb, Rhonda Vincent
• E. M. D. - David Grisman
• Folsom River Blues - Johnny Cash
• Fox on the Run - The Country Gentlemen
• Freeborn Man - Jimmy Martin
• Galveston Flood - The Country Gentlemen
• Girl From the North Country - Bob Dylan
• Gold Rush - Bill Monroe
• Head Over Heels - Flatt and Scruggs
• Hit Parade of Love - Jimmy Martin
• House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
• How Mountain Girls Can Love - Dr. Ralph Stanley
• I Ain't Broke (But I'm Badly Bent) - David Grisman
• I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow - The Stanley Brothers
• I Am A Pilgrim - Merle Travis
• I Know You Rider - The Grateful Dead
• I'll Fly Away - Albert Brumley
• I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome - Bill Monroe and Hank Williams Sr.
• I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky - Bill Monroe
• Is This Love - Bob Marley
• Jerusalem Ridge - Bill Monroe
• John Hardy - Traditional
• Katy Daley - Dr. Ralph Stanley
• Little Georgia Rose - Bill Monroe
• Little Maggie - The Stanley Bothers
• Little Sadie - Traditional
• Long Gone - Reno & Smiley
• Love Please Come Home - Reno & Smiley; Old and In the Way
• Manzanita - Tony Rice
• Me and My Guitar - James Taylor
• Midnight Rider - The Allman Brothers
• Milk Cow Blues - Kokomo Arnold/Robert Johnson
• Molly and Tenbrooks - Bill Monroe
• Mr. P. C. - John Coltrane
• Muleskinner Blues - Jimmie Rodgers/Bill Monroe
• My Favorite Things - Rodgers and Hammerstein
• Nature Boy - eden ahbez; Nat King Cole
• Nine Pound Hammer - Merle Travis
• No Mother or Dad - Flatt and Scruggs
• Old Joe Clark - Traditional
• On and On - Bill Monroe
• One Way Track - Boone Creek
• Poor Richard's Blues - Sam Bush
• Red Haired Boy - Traditional
• Rocky Top - The Osborne Brothers
• Sally Goodin' - Traditional
• Salt Creek - Bill Monroe
• Shady Grove - Traditional
• Somehow Tonight - Flatt and Scruggs
• Summertime - George Gershwin
• Swing That Hammer - Lonesome River Band
• The Last Thing On My Mind - Tom Paxton
• The Old Home Place - The Dillards; J.D. Crowe and the New South
• Today I Started Loving You Again - Merle Haggard
• Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show
• Wayfaring Stranger - Traditional
• White Freightliner - Townes Van Zant
• Wild Bill Jones - Traditional
• Will the Circle Be Unbroken - The Carter Family
• Will You Be Lonesome Too? - Flatt and Scruggs
• Your Love is Like a Flower - Flatt and Scruggs

Anniversaries, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Halloween Parties, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• They were just terrific! They were very professional - arrived early to set up, stayed as discussed and were outstanding, talented individuals. Many thanks, Margaret Aderholt -- Margaret A, Birmingham, AL, 5/3/2012
• Allen and the group were exceptional. I, frankly, have never seen anyone play the guitar better than Allen. The band played the type of music we requested with skill and professionalism. It was apparent to our party that they were sincerely glad to be there and were making the effort for a successful event. I will use them again and would be pleased to recommend them to anyone. -- Stephen K, Oxford, MS, 3/9/2012
• Thank you so much, Allen, for playing at my grandfather's 90th Bithday party. Everyone enjoyed you and your music so much. I will definitely call you again. -- Suzanne B, Gadsden, AL, 3/4/2012
• Had them play at a Wild Game Dinner and could not have been happier. Bluegrass is not my favorite style of music but they provided a great selection of background music and many tunes that I was familiar with and our group loved them. -- Mark G, West Point, MS, 2/24/2012
• These guys were great!! They were there on time and very professional. They even learned two songs for our wedding party!! The Allen Tolbert Unit was the life of the party. Everyone was out on the dance floor having a great time. We could not have asked for more. Recommend them very highly! -- Jolee S, Birmingham, AL, 1/14/2012
• These guys were phenominal. Super band. Everyone loved them and had a blast. Everyone kept asking who they were. I told them their name and let them know I found them on GigMasters. Some of the most talented instrumentalists I have ever heard, especially Allen Tolbert. -- Kim K, Mccalla, AL, 12/10/2011
• Exceptional! Would book this group again! -- Diane M, Birmingham, AL, 11/18/2011
• The Allen Tolbert Unit was an excellent addition to our wedding reception. They were professional, courteous, and most of all accommodating. They learned a new song for us and were happy to play it. I received many many compliments about the band while I was at our reception. It was an absolute joy to have these guys play at our event! -- Andrew J, Montgomery, AL, 10/15/2011
• Allen Tolbert Unit did an absolutely wonbderful job! They showed up a bit early and stayed a bit late because our party went over time. The guys were simply the nicest folks to work with. My (new) wife and I will definitely be using Allen Tolbet Unit again for a Christmas party this December. I also think the guys are a great value. I've booked many bands throughout my college years at Auburn so I am familiar with the "good and bad" that comes with doing this. I am obliged to say that ATU were the most accomodating bunch I've ever hired. They are so eager to please and strive to make the performance a personal experience. GREAT JOB GUYS!!!! -- Zack B, Birmingham, AL, 6/17/2011
• Allen Tolbert Unit went above and beyond our expectations. We could not have been happier with the way everything turned out. I would highly recommend them to anybody! -- Melanie W, Memphis, TN, 6/4/2011
• The Allen Tolbert Unit was absolutely everything we could have imagined for our wedding band!! We love bluegrass and we love the Allen Tolbert Unit! The guys were so wonderful and played everything we asked for.. and then some! If you're looking for some good ol' pick'n and grinnin then you're in the right place!! The Allen Tolbert Unit are not only professional and accomodating but are also some of the nicest people you'll ever meet! -- Hillary C, Birmingham, AL, 5/29/2011
• Amazing! Simply Amazing! The band was extremely talented, professional, polite, entertaining, and flexible. I had to switch our event at the last minute and they made the switch with no questions asked. We had about 350 people at our event and everyone kept on coming up to me and telling me how much they loved the band! I am definitely going to use these guys again. If anyone is looking for a Blues, Blue Grass, or Jazz band--you must book these guys because they will blow you away. Thanks Allen, Jim, & Steve, you guys are one of the best bands that I have ever employed. -- Matt R, Birmingham, AL, 4/29/2011
• ATU was amazing! Everyone had a fantastic time at the reception and the music made the event! The guys played their hearts out and we're more than willing to accommodate anything we needed. Their equipment is top notch! We had an outdoor reception on a lake and the music could be heard all over. I would recommend ATU to anyone needing a band, not just for a wedding, but for any party! -- Lacy V, Oneonta, AL, 4/9/2011
• For the past ten years we have Allen Tolbert group play for our party, and plan to have them next year. They are great!!!!!! -- B. J. G, Highland Lake, AL, 2/26/2011
• Having the Allen Tolbert Unit at our rehearsal dinner really made the event. It was so inviting to walk in and here the music playing! They did a great job and were a great volume for people to still mingle and hang out but hear the music as well. -- Holly C, Birmingham, AL, 10/29/2010
• The Allen Tolbert Unit was FANTASTIC. Perfect for a rustic, country-vintage wedding! If you need bluegrass in Alabama - be sure to contact these guys! They're are SO sweet and accommodating! -- Anna S, Birmingham, AL, 5/21/2011
• Great Job, enjoyed by all! Keep up the good work. -- James H, Birmingham, AL, 2/11/2011
• Allen Tolbert and his crew did an excellent job for our wedding. Very communicative, professional, and of course excellent musicians! -- Nathan H, Birmingham, AL, 10/8/2011

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