Allen James - Xmas On The Block

Allen James is a veteran guitarist whose roots stretch from White Plains and Tarrytown, New York, to the heart of the Philadelphia music scene. Inspired to pick up the guitar after watching The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show and discovering Led Zeppelin I, Allen taught himself to play and quickly immersed himself in rock and blues. After relocating to Philadelphia, he became a respected presence in the local scene, performing with a wide range of artists and bands and earning a reputation for both versatility and feel.

During the early 1980s, Allen played guitar in Alan Mann’s band and appeared in the iconic “Christmas on the Block” music video, a project that would go on to become a beloved Philadelphia holiday tradition and one of the earliest independent videos aired on MTV. Over the years, Allen has shared the stage with numerous notable musicians and, in 1990, won Philadelphia’s Street Beat WMMR Award for Best Guitarist while playing with Junior League. Deeply influenced by late-’60s and early-’70s British rock and blues, as well as players like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Allen continues to chase great tone, remaining closely connected to the legacy of one of Philadelphia’s most enduring Christmas songs.

How did you first meet Alan Mann, and what do you remember most about him from those early days?

I met Alan sometime in early 80’s. I saw him play with his Free Arts band at JC Dobbs club in Philadelphia. I think he had lost his original guitarist after a while and asked me to play in his band which did have a rotating cast of players! I thought Alan was a real street kind of guy. He was down to earth.

What was it like playing guitar with Alan?

Once we had a good band line up, we had some really good gigs. We even opened for Stevie Ray Vaughan! Most of the time was very cool working with him.

When you first heard the finished song, Christmas On The Block, did it feel like something special?

I did not play on the track; I was just in the video. I can’t remember if I heard it until I saw it on MTV, which was mind blowing!

What was the experience like making the original music video?

The shoot was two days of slight chaos in Upper Darby, PA; trying to corral those kids. And it was cold when the band had to stand around that fire in the barrel.

What are your thoughts on the new Fear Of Heights documentary?

My interview in the film was cut so I’m slightly biased. I think more could have been said about the Fear of Heights period which got him to the Xmas On The Block video.

Do you still play Christmas On The Block today, and what does it feel like performing it now compared to back then?

I do not play the tune but others in Philadelphia have. The tune is legendary around here.

If Alan were here today, what do you think he would make of the song’s legacy and the way it continues to find new listeners every Christmas season?

I think Alan would be blown away by the yearly love in Philadelphia for this song.