Bio

Allen E. Baltzer started his journey in music in early childhood with the purchase of Prince’s Purple Rain, blown away by the sound of the guitar. At the age of 10 he was given his first guitar, many years of practice, extensive musical listening and influence by acts like Iron Maiden, Janes addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Skid Row, to name a few, ensued. Later being introduced to Mr. Hendrix sealed his fate, knowing exactly what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Further listening and influence by Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Rush, and most importantly Dream Theater, pushed Allen to really study music in all its forms and styles. Joining his first band Greenhouse Effect at the age of 13, and playing in countless garage rock bands throughout High School. He also was involved with school based music programs joining the band drum line, jazz band, chorus, and swing choir. Soon after graduation he stepped in to the lead guitar playing role for The Aberrants, filling in for long time friend and musical partner Glen Perkins who was college bound. After a new bass player Micah Kaplan joined the band was renamed Kordory. Cutting one album and doing a lot of live playing the band separated in 1996. Vocalist R Baily Allen, and Allen formed a new band inter-planet Janet and began to play live shows. During this time he began to experiment with recording and playing multiple instruments. Upon Glen Perkins return from college the two reunited in music with longtime friend Micah Kaplan. Writing a huge catalogue of original songs and began recording together. These tunes caught the ear of R&B great Teddy Reily, who immediately put the pair to work developing new artist Chris Richardson (now American Idol Finalist) and doing extensive Session and gig work for Future Records, Reilly’s studio. Allen also started a new band Collective Dysfunction and began recording an album “Shadowgames”. Allen produced his first solo instrumental album “Absoltion” during this time as well. A few members of Collective Dysfunction joined forces with Glen, and Bass great Julian Hayes to form Smoke –n- Mirrors. Improvisational Jamming was also a huge interest playing regularly with Micah Kaplan, and Wil Kight jamming for hours on end during this time. Smoke-n-Mirrors were a great success placing 3rd in Va. Beaches’ MAXX fm Toys for Tots Band Battle and scoring the House Band Gig at Mary Jayne’s Lazy Horse. He also produced his second solo instrumental album “Miles from Europa”. Allen, finally deciding after 13 years away from his home in Berwick Pa. left Norfolk Va. To return. Taking a year off from Professional Music to focus on his Firefighting career, the now decorated Firefighter is polarized on a new start and career in professional music. Working with Rapper Brandon “B” Kishbaugh, in Dychotomy, High School friend Shannon Halteman in the acoustic act Siren, and his main act, the Progressive Rock Band fall of Empire. He is determined to make his name known!!!contact me. Allen uses: Way too many guitars to name them all! 9 out of 10 timest the solos are done on an Ibanez, Either a Rg-120 custom or a rg-2ex2 or a rg-470, also guits by, Fender, Gibson, Mike Bell, Brad Freiheit,Kramer,series 10, and on and on. Hughes and Kettner Matrix 4-channel main amp left, Laney AOR solo 100 tube 100 on the right, kept in order by the Line-6 Pod live XT. All Wirlwind cables, and Superlux dynamic mics on cabs. all recording equipment is Yamaha comm.Audio. Ampeg B-3 bass amp . and Pearl/Sabine drums and hardware. www.Myspace.com/sallenbaltzer for more info about Allen's band "Smoke n Mirrors" www.myspace.com/wearesmokenmirrors