Jazz 2003

PETE ALLEN

Pete is regarded as one of Europe's most talented and exciting masters of the clarinet. In 1976 he joined the Rod Mason Band and two years later he formed his own professional band. He brought together a musical style and stage presence that has created an enthusiastic following from both the Traditional Jazz fans and those who simply enjoy happy music and songs for listening and dancing.
As a boy Pete grew up with jazz. He studied the music of all the oldtime jazz greats, especially Ed Hall and Bamey Bigard, two of the great legends of American Jazz Clarinet. Pete has never tried to copy their style but has developed his own quite unique, exciting sound.
Over the years Pete has appeared on many Radio and Television shows both with his own Band and as a solo artiste. He has topped the bill in those magical homes of jazz, St Louis, Sacramento and of course New Orleans where he was also awarded an Honary Citizenship for his services to Jazz Music. Pete performs with his Full Band, Quintet, Quartet, Trio, Duo or as a solo player. Pete has also presented his own popular radio show "Jazz Sounds" for BBC Radio, broadcasting throughout the West of England for two long running series between 1992 and 1997. He is also a Festival Consultant for a number of major Jazz Festivals. Pete Allen continues to thrill audiences around the World with his own style of jazz clarinet presented with an entertaining show of light hearted humour and happy foot-tapping jazz songs. Above all, Pete is a personality in British Music who is eager to please an audience whatever the situation.

THE JAZZ BAND


The Pete Allen Jazz. Band was formed on the 1st October 1978. They were soon playing countless one night shows combined with regular Radio and Television appearances and released their first album on the Black Lion label. Then as the Band's fame and reputation grew, they began to tour Europe and later the USA. Although there have been personnel changes within the Band over the years, Pete has always maintained a very high standard of musical content and showmanship. His present seven piece band bring together a team of the most talented and respected jazz musicians in the country. The line up is, Trumpet, Trombone, Banjo, Double Bass, Drums and Piano with Pete playing Clarinet and Saxophones. The vocalists come from within the Band. This combination performs an exciting, entertaining and thoroughly professional show of Traditional, Dixieland and New Orleans Jazz. It is a happy foot tapping style that can be enjoyed by everyone. The Band is equally at home playing a Concert or providing Hot Jazz for Dancing. The Band's repertoire is taken from the early jazz sounds of such immortal stars as Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and Sidney Bechet together with a mix of Traditional Jazz Standards. Pete also performs a number of his own compositions. His vocal tributes to the great Louis Armstrong are truly amazing being so close to the original it's uncanny! In addition to the Band instrumentals and songs, Pete's musicians are featured as soloists.
The Pete Allen Jazz Band is easily one of this country's finest fully professional bands who will make any party, club or festival go with a swing! There's no doubt that the years ahead are certainly going to be a very busy time for Pete and his Band taking who are British Traditional / Dixieland Jazz into the 21st Century! So, why not join them and................................
" Keep Jazzin' with Pete Allen"