"A refreshing local find came with second billed supporting act Allan Goodman (Band) ... Goodman has been a solo performer, but his fully realized songs found a bigger voice during an impressive set of rootsy rock that at times recalled the Americana sounds of Son Volt and Wilco. This is a band to keep an eye on and all you A&R departments - start scrambling."

Darryl Morden
The Hollywood Reporter

Recently, Allan Goodman's band (The Blooms) was featured in the Orange County Register. The band's debut CD made Robert Kinsler's TOP 10 albums of 2006, here's what Robert had to say...

The Blooms, "Meet the Blooms" (Indie) � Blooms frontman Allan Goodman's songs work on a number of levels, with outstanding verses and choruses forming an excellent backdrop to lyrical tales displaying his natural abilities at exploring universal themes with a directness that is refreshing. Songs such as "Someday Maria," "25 to Life" and "Good Enough" are rousing singalongs that are highlights on the Blooms' debut disc. "American" and "Still" tackle decidedly darker themes. Information: www.theblooms.info.

On September 1st, the Orange County Register printed a full page feature on Allan Goodman & The Blooms. Robert Kinsler (mentioned above) wrote the story.

Orange Pop: Going for a 'big rock' sound

In the late 1990s, it wasn't uncommon to walk into an Orange County coffeehouse and catch an acoustic set by singer-guitarist Allan Goodman. While Goodman has long been effective as a solo act, his burgeoning skills as a bandleader are clearly on display with The Blooms.

His own expertise as singer, songwriter and guitarist are enhanced with a growing cast of strong players such as guitarist Michael Bains, bassist John Cunningham, drummer Brian Lynch and keyboardist Brian Mellblom.

"In 2000, I decided to put a band together. The first guy I called was Michael," said Goodman, a longtime Fullerton resident.

Although the then-dubbed Allan Goodman Band was formed six years ago, The Blooms are suddenly finding greater acclaim, thanks to a number of high-profile shows. In July, the troupe opened for Nils Lofgren at a packed show at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

Looking ahead, The Blooms will play the main stage at the Orange International Street Fair on Saturday afternoon; the group will open for the legendary Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes at The Coach House on Sept. 8. Goodman and Co. will be featuring songs off the newly issued "Meet The Blooms" at both performances.

"All of the songs come about differently," Goodman explained of his original material, which is reminiscent of the American rock of icons such as John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen.

"When I wrote 'Good Enough,' I wanted to write something big to open when we played with Nils Lofgren in 2002. � I wrote the music first. I came up with a hook."

But Goodman's songs work on a number of levels, with outstanding verses and choruses forming an excellent backdrop to lyrical tales displaying his natural abilities at exploring universal themes with a directness that is refreshing.

Songs such as "Someday Maria," "25 to Life" and the aforementioned "Good Enough" are rousing singalongs that are highlights on the Blooms' debut disc. "American" and "Still" tackle decidedly darker themes such as war and isolation.

"I love big rock. Some of my best memories are of being in a stadium with 20,000 other fans. Sometimes when I write, I have those visions in my head."

There is a wide variety of up-tempo rock and acoustic storytelling displayed on "Meet The Blooms," and the road to completing each song is equally distinct.

"Some songs come out in five minutes; 'Someday Maria' took a year and a half to finish. It just varies," Goodman explained. "If you force it, it doesn't work."

Goodman has an upbeat personality, an outstanding voice that fills a room and plays memorable rock that recalls that of his heroes while allowing him and the rest of his band to establish their own sound. The Blooms clearly love to play in front of large crowds.

"If two weeks go by without me playing a show, I feel funny," Goodman says.

The Orange International Street Fair, where the Blooms play today, is at Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street. The Coach House, where the group opens for South Side Johnny & the Asbury Jukes next week, is at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.