Primary Instrument: Vocal
Aimee Allen’s intimate connection with music began as a child. Her childhood was quite literally scored with classic jazz, because of her mother's intense love of the music. The influence of the jazz tradition can be heard in Aimee’s musical style and interpretation choices. But Aimee’s listeners can also hear her individual voice, nuanced and sparkling with soul and sensuality. Singing came early for Aimee. But she first began to sing professionally as a college student. At Yale University Aimee was an active member and soloist with two a cappella singing groups performing a jazz repertoire. After graduation, Aimee lived in Paris and performed regularly in clubs and at music festivals. There, her understanding of the place of jazz in the world deepened and her interpretive style began to flourish.
The intense relationship between the francophone audience in Paris and Brazilian bossa nova, long one of Aimee’s musical loves, led Aimee to form a group dedicated to bossa and jazz: Les Bossa Novices. Aimee performed frequently in and outside of Paris with Les Bossa Novices. As part of New York's jazz community for the past few years, Aimee has continued to navigate traditional and modern jazz, infusing her craft with a personal and intimate style. In addition to selections from the great American songbook, Aimee sings some not-so-standards, pays homage to Brazilian bossa, and frequently includes a French lyric. Her touch is always sincere and her sound authentic. Her singular voice and soul has garnered the love of many of the city's best young musicians.
On her latest CD, Dream, Aimee is joined by pianists Dave Cook and Toru Dodo. Dave brings a thoughtful and innovative attention to rhythm as well as rich, original arrangements. Toru accompanies with his classic lush style and a modern soulfulness. Ben Campbell joins with great musicality on bass, and Brian Woodruff plays drums with characteristic panache, great sensitivity, and imagination. Aimee is also joined in a duo by the inspired guitarist Richard Padron.
