Hi everyone. Thanks for stopping in. Below is some info on me and the music. My latest CD, "Real and Imagined", is available on Fresh Sound Records and for download at iTunes and Amazon.com.
"Dave Allen is one of a number of spitfire jazz guitarists raising the bar on that ever-popular instrument. But Allen offers more than battle-ready chops—his Untold Stories and Real and Imagined are about original music, loftily conceived, with graceful melodic content and subtle rhythmic challenges. he's got the pull to assemble world-class bands every time out." -David Adler, Jazz Times magazine
"Allen has found a true voice, his effortless technique downplays the apparent complexity, paradoxically creating a cool surface sheen that has a white heat glowing beneath it.music that seduces both the body and mind--again and again." -All About Jazz
"Allen has a fully developed and mature approach to composition, technical command of his instrument, and the inspirational fortitude to pull wonderful music from the ensemble. Each piece is like an aural painting or film in the way it slides across the psyche." -Farrell Lowe, All About Jazz
"Allen has what could be dubbed as “string-imagination,” the ability to quickly form and rethink patterns like moving water--flowing, lucid and spontaneous, paired with superior comping skills--filling in the gaps with creative touches and chord-work. But of equal importance, the band is tight and the music is immersive. Performed without the use of techno effects and overdubbing, the tone of this effort is as forward-thinking as it comes."
-Mark F. Turner on "Real and Imagined"
"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 Koppman, AllAboutJazz.com
"Real and Imagined" named one of the Top Ten CDs of 2007 by Jazz Critic, Martin Johnson (Village Voice Poll)
"There is a true sensuality to the guitarist's sound. unfolding his lines with an edge-of-your-seat stealth.
-Jim Macnie - Village Voice
"Untold Stories, the debut CD from New York Jazz Guitarist Dave Allen, showcases an exciting and unique player in the mold of Pat Metheny, Ben Monder, and Adam Rogers. Monster chops, harmonic resourcefulness, strong melodic sense, seamless group interaction, considerable compositional talent and a kick-ass group of talented players make this CD an electrifying piece of work." - 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
"An outstanding guitarist and composer" -Vic Juris
Allen has continually sought to forge a unique vision through his playing and writing, one that features lyrical melodies with lilting, complex rhythms and rich, intricate harmonies. At the age of 16, Allen was already recognized by Guitar Player Magazine as a talent to watch. Born in Philadelphia, Allen moved to New York in 1988 to attend the Manhattan School of Music. Leading his own groups for the past 16 years, Allen has increasingly made his presence felt on the New York scene. Allen has worked with many of the most exciting young players in New York City, including Seamus Blake, Ravi Coltrane, Drew Gress, Mark Turner, Jeff Ballard, Donny McCaslin, Mark Shim, Gerald Cleaver, John O'Gallagher, Loren Stillman, Tyshawn Sorey, Miguel Zenon, and many others. Allen has two critically acclaimed CDs released on Fresh Sound Records. A 3rd CD is in the works along with several European tours.
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