Carl Allen & The Messengers of Jazz: Tribute to Art Blakey
Saturday, September 27
TIME: 8:15pm-9:30pm
VENUE: Wagner Stage. Midway Plaisance at South Woodlawn Ave.
A photo of Carl Allen playing drums, smiling and wearing a black suit against a black background. Followed by a photo of Carl Allen smiling, wearing glasses and a black suit.
Photos by Fred H. Politinsky
Carl allen
Carl Allen, a renowned jazz drummer, bandleader, and educator, has established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz community. Born in Milwaukee, Allen began playing the drums at an early age and later pursued formal music education, earning a degree in music from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. In the course of his career, he has collaborated with jazz luminaries including Benny Golson, Freddie Hubbard, Michael Brecker, Jackie McLean, and others.
As the leader of The Messengers of Jazz, Carl Allen pays homage to the iconic Jazz Messengers band founded by Art Blakey. The group features a rotating cast of talented musicians showcasing their dynamic improvisational skills and deep-rooted understanding of jazz traditions. The ensemble blends classic jazz standards with contemporary compositions to create an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
Allen's energetic playing style, characterized by intricate rhythms and melodic sensitivity, is complemented by his commitment to jazz education. In addition to leading The Messengers of Jazz, he teaches at various institutions, where he shares his knowledge and passion for the genre with aspiring musicians.
With several albums to his credit, Carl Allen continues to innovate and inspire, embodying the spirit of jazz with each performance. His dedication to the art form–and his ability to bring together diverse musical talents–make him a significant contributor to the modern jazz landscape.
The musicians:
Donald Harrison - alto saxophone
Billy Pierce - tenor saxophone
Brian Lynch - trumpet
Geoffrey Keezer – piano
Alexander Claffy – bass
Carl Allen - drums