BEN ALLISON MAN SIZE SAFE

Like Charles Mingus, Ben Allison is a double bass player who presents himself first and foremost as a composer, but who is recognized as a soloist as well. Three times in a row he topped the Downbeat Critics’ Poll in the Rising Star Bass category. Another similarity he shares with Mingus is that Allison reflects political awareness in his music; in the inlay of his current CD, “Little Things Rule the World,” he criticizes the Bush administration. A last significant comparison with Mingus is that Allison writes typically American music with blues, jazz, rock, folk and cinematic elements. For years, Allison was a prominent member of the Jazz Composers Collective and he played with Dave Liebman and Lee Konitz. “A visionary composer, adventurous improviser, and a strong organizational force on the New York jazz scene.” (Jazz Times).