BIOGRAPHY
The Alan Thomalla Band is a upbeat group that performs music throughout America's Heartland. It is a talented four member ensemble centered around the musical talents of band leader Alan Thomalla (Pronounced Toe' mah la). The name has its roots in the Slavic languages of Europe and means "small." Thomalla laughs and says, "Yes we are a small band." In addition to Slavic roots Thomalla states his heritage is a mix of "Irish, German, Polish, Jewish, American Indian or African American depending on who you ask." In short he states, "I am a mutt...but a lovable mutt."
Alan Thomalla is, first and foremost, a husband and father. Musically he is a song writer of incredible range and talent. His music is insightful, truthful, and relevant to the lives of real people. When asked where his musical talent and inspiration comes from the whimsical song writer explains that he was "born the day the music died." It's true too... we looked it up. Anthony Alan Thomalla was born February 3, 1959 the day Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper perished in the aircraft The American Pie which was later immortalized in the Don McLean classic of the same name. Thomalla states, "I think our souls brushed one another while I was coming down and they were headed up."
The Alan Thomalla Band emerged as a group and song writing force early in 2011. This almost did not occur, however, as Alan Thomalla states that he did not pick up a musical instrument for over 10 years. The bones in both of his hands were shattered in a head-on collision with a semi in 2001 during an ice storm. He reports that he thought his musical endeavors had come to a crashing halt. He says that his passion for music and the love of a good woman allowed for music to re-emerge in his life stronger than before.
We are fortunate that the Alan Thomalla Band has stepped onto the national music stage. Songs like The River, Some Other Time, Blue, among others are destined to make their mark on folk music history in the United States. We look forward to seeing where they head next.
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