Artist description Bradley is a jazz drummer/vocalist, which is very unique in the world of jazz. His normal lineup is a trio consisting of drums/vocals, upright bass and guitar, which is also somewhat unusual as most jazz trios traditionally featured a pianist. He doesn't believe in putting boundries on creativity, and therefore is open to many influences and styles within the jazz idiom. "I enjoy performing standards but I think jazz by its very deffinition should always be moving forward. I like to take a standard which was originally played in a swing style, and play it in a funk style for example. I think that it gives it a more modern sound that younger people can relate to. I think that we should always be creating something. That's what we do. So part of that equation is to create a solo. Another part is to create original compositions. Buddy Rich's band always sounded modern. He used popular songs as vehicles in his big band. His band never sounded like a relic, although he was still playing swing arrangements right along with funk arrangemen

Music Style Straight-Ahead, Standards and Originals

Musical Influences Louie Bellson, Max Roach, Peter Erskine, Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr.

Similar Artists Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, Bill Frisell

Artist History Bradley started his music career in an unlikely place called Columbus, NE. His first inspirations came from a Buddy Rich recording given to him by his drum teacher, Dave Divis, who later took him to a Buddy Rich concert in Lincoln, NE. Bradley studied percussion with Steve Raybine at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, along with continuing some voice studies which began in high school. Later he joined the United States Army band program in the hopes of continuing to perform big band jazz, his main interest at the time. In 1998, Bradley left the military to pursue jazz performing opportunities in the Kansas City area. Since that time, he released 2 CD's, the most recent displaying his vocal and writing talents, along with his drumming skills. The CD, entitled, "2nd Verse," has been receiving excellent reviews and continues to expand its radio-play on jazz stations throughout the U.S

Group Members Bradley Allen-Drums and Vocals. Craig Akin is his regular bass player. Bradley works regularly with guitarist Tom DeMasters, former student of Steve Vai, and Jerry Hahn. As is common in the world of jazz, Bradley works with more than one guitarist. Featured on the recent CD is guitarist Rod Fleeman, also featured on many of Karrin Allyson's CD's.

Instruments drums, vocals,upright bass, electric bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar

Albums Bradley Allen, Bradley Allen-2nd Verse

Press Reviews "In-the-pocket playing by some unassuming, swinging Kansas City jazz musicians. Allen swings with relaxed strength. St. Thomas serves as a vehicle for some surprisingly melodic solos by Allen. This release by Bradley Allen is proof positive that Kansas City is still a stomping ground for quality jazz musicians." Joe Christopher Athon, Jazz Ambassador Magazine

Location Kansas City, Missouri - USA

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