Career

Early on he was recognized in high school as an exceptional talent being able to uncannily play tunes such as Body and Soul in the style of legendary tenor players Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Flip Phillips, or Sam Donahue. He is a traditionalist in the manner of Scott Hamilton. He is best known for his work with John Colianni, Keith Ingham, John Pizzarelli and Bucky Pizzarelli.

Allen"s father, Maurice, was a big band drummer.

As a child, his father played records for him. These included recordings of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, which made a lasting impression.

Allen was also influenced when in high school by recordings of Scott Hamilton. Allen graduated from Rutgers University in 1988.

Allen has been identified as one of the "finest exponents of swing tenor alive today" and described by C. Michael Bailey as "the "Frank Sinatra" of the tenor saxophone: a master interpreter of standards".