Carl Allen (drummer) facts for kids
Carl Allen (born April 25, 1961) is an American jazz drummer. He is known for his amazing drumming skills and for working with many famous jazz musicians.
Allen went to William Paterson University to study music. He has played with a wide variety of musicians, including jazz legends like Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, and Phil Woods.
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Working with Other Musicians
Carl Allen often teamed up with bassist Christian McBride. They played together in many different jazz groups led by big names. McBride even asked Allen to be the drummer for his own band, Christian McBride & Inside Straight. Allen played on their first album, Kinda Brown, and joined them on tour.
In 1988, Carl Allen and Vincent Herring started a company called Big Apple Productions. This company helped produce several albums for young and upcoming jazz performers.
Teaching and Inspiring Young Musicians
Carl Allen is also a dedicated teacher. In 2001, he joined the teaching staff at The Juilliard School, which is a very famous music school. By 2008, he became the Artistic Director of Jazz Studies there, helping to guide the jazz program. He left Juilliard in 2013.
In 2021, Allen joined the faculty at the University of Missouri - Kansas City (UKMC) Conservatory. He became a special professor of Jazz Studies, continuing to share his knowledge with new generations of musicians.
TV Appearances
In 2011, Carl Allen appeared as himself in two episodes of the HBO TV show Tremé. He was shown in a studio recording scene in New York City.
The Art of Elvin
In 2014, Carl Allen started his own group called The Art of Elvin. This band was formed to honor two legendary drummers, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones. The band first performed at a big drumming conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Carl Allen played drums, with Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Tivon Pennicott on tenor sax, Xavier Davis on piano, and Yasushi Nakamura on bass.
Discography
Carl Allen has released several albums as a band leader and has played on many, many more as a sideman for other artists.
As a Leader
- The Pursuer (Atlantic, 1994)
- Testimonial (Atlantic, 1995)
Collaborations and Co-led Albums
- Live from the Detroit Jazz Festival 2013 (Mack Avenue, 2014)
- Get Ready (Mack Avenue, 2007) – Co-led with Rodney Whitaker
- Work to Do (Mack Avenue, 2009) – Co-led with Rodney Whitaker
As a Sideman (Selected Albums)
Carl Allen has played drums on albums for many well-known jazz musicians. Here are a few examples:
- With Don Braden: After Dark (1994)
- With Cyrus Chestnut: The Nutman Speaks
- With Art Farmer: The Company I Keep (1994)
- With Benny Golson: Up Jumped Benny (1997)
- With the Benny Green Trio: That's Right
- With Vincent Herring: Evidence (1991)
- With Freddie Hubbard: Life Flight
- With Jackie McLean: Dynasty
- With Woody Shaw: Double Take (1985)
- With Christian McBride: People Music (2013)
- With Donald Byrd: A City Called Heaven (1991)
- With Phil Woods: Alto Summit (1996)
