Kris was born and raised in Connecticut. He began musical education at an early age. However, his passion for jazz music was sparked by his apprenticeship with Jackie McLean (Hartz School of Music, McLean’s African American Music degree program). He has been a performer all over the US and around the world and has developed a distinct conceptual and aural identity as an arranger, composer, and leader to match his powerful saxophonic sound. His second album, Beloved is his second for Truth Revolution Recording Collective. Allen uses the musical languages of McLean and others to create a unique sound story with his working band. “Allen, in this triumphant sequel to his acclaimed debut CD, Circle House, for all his fluency and deep knowledge about the music’s modern masters and musical languages, is very much himself with his own creative voice.” – WNPR.org. Allen’s working band, which includes tenor saxophonist Frank Kozyra and bassist Luques Curtis, was praised by Jazziz Magazine. Downbeat Magazine also called Beloved “one of the best new release this year locating the profund within the familiar”. Kris has been a sought-after sideman for many years, including in groups such as the Illinois Jacquet and Gerald Wilson, Andy Gonzales (and Jimmy Greene), Winard Harper, Andy Laverne and the Mingus Dynasty. Also, Andy Jaffe, Andy Gonzales, Andy Greene, Andy Laverne. Jen Allen, Ike Sturm and Gary Smulyan. Kris is a founding member the Jazz Samaritan Alliance and Hartford Legacy Big Band. Kris has received numerous awards, commissions, residencies, and other honors as a composer. He has also collaborated with poets, visual artists, and musicians of many genres. Kris is the Lyell B. Clay Artist Artist In-Residence Jazz at Williams College. He has previously worked at the Hartt School and Trinity College as well as at Southern Connecticut State University, the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, and Southern Connecticut State University. Since 2001, he has been a Teaching artist for Litchfield Performing Arts and has conducted master classes and clinics at various institutions across the country and around the world. Kris is a Vandoren Artist. He plays Vandoren mouthpieces as well as reeds, ligatures and reeds exclusively. from www.krisallenjazz.com
