Born: April 9, 1970 Primary Instrument: Guitar, electric
The Dave Allen Quartet brings together some of the best young talent that New York City has to offer. Their debut recording, Untold Stories, documents a well-crafted group sound rarely found in music today. These compositions are brought to life by the musicians' subtlety and virtuosity. Saxophonist Seamus Blake is one of the most respected players of his generation and brings a vibrant and poetic sensibility to the group. Bassist Carlo DeRosa and drummer Mark Ferber have been playing with Allen for many years and bring a common language of creativity and intensity to each piece.
Dave Allen is one of the more distinctive voices on his instrument today. He has continually sought to forge a unique vision through his playing and writing, one that features lyrical melodies with lilting, complex rhythms. At the age of 16, he was already recognized by Guitar Player magazine as a talent to watch. Leading trios and quartets for the past 15 years, Allen has increasingly made his presence felt on the New York scene. In the past few years Allen has worked with Chris Cheek, Sam Newsome, Donny McCaslin, Mark Shim, Eric McPherson, Matt Penman, John Riley and many others.
Untold Stories presents nine original compositions which are like nine chapters in a book. The labyrinth-like stories are poetic and challenging with their energy, thoughtfulness, and complexity.
”fiery and eloquent... Allen brings daunting chops, full-bodied tone and melodic sensitivity.” - David Adler - Jazz Times Magazine
”The music is full of subtlety. Allen has no seeming limit to his technique, but he always puts it to good musical ends. His lines are full of twists and turns, but I always hear thought and emotion, not just flying fingers.” -Budd Kopman, All About Jazz
”There is a true sensuality to the guitarist's sound. -Jim Macnie - Village Voice
” Monster chops, harmonic resourcefulness, strong melodic sense, seamless group interaction, considerable compositional talent and a kick-ass group of talented players.” - JazzGuitarLife
”Mr. Allen is a guitarist with a coolly modernistic sensibility, as he demonstrates on a forthcoming album, “Real and Imagined” (Fresh Sound New Talent).” - NY Times
Untold Stories 2005
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Primary Instrument:
Guitar, electric
Location:
New York, NY
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
