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Recent News

Ben to Perform with Cambodia Musician Kong Nay, Marc Ribot, Rudy Royston
March 13, 2013
I’m very excited to be collaborating with Cambodian chapei master Kong Nay on a concert to be held April 20 at the Asia Society, NYC.One of only a few musicians to have survived the Khmer Rouge era, Kong Nay improvises with a satirical wit, part of a thousand-year-old tradition that gives poetic license to chapei players. His playing is rhythmic and soulful. For this concert, I’ll be collaborating… (read more)
New B.log Post: Ornette Coleman, 10 Favorites
January 15, 2013
Read post   (read more)
Ornette Coleman – Top Ten
January 15, 2013
This article originally appeared on JazzTimes.com The third jazz record I ever bought was Ornette Coleman’s This Is Our Music. I had never heard anything like it before and it changed the way I thought about music. I was in high school and was just beginning to immerse myself in the world of jazz. Until that point, most of the jazz I had heard was bebop-era music, which to my teenaged, rock-loving… (read more)
New Blog Post – An Open Letter To Musicians
November 25, 2012
In this fast-changing world we musicians can and should have a lot to say… Read more (read more)
Ben Reprises Collective Festival for 20th Anniversary
September 5, 2012
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the first Jazz Composers Collective concert. In celebration, Ben has reprised the Collective Festival with week-long series at the Jazz Standard in New York City. Read more (read more)
Reprising Collective Festival for 20th Anniversary
September 5, 2012
This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the first Jazz Composers Collective concert. In celebration, we’re reprising the Collective Festival with a week-long series at the Jazz Standard in New York City. Read more (read more)
My Day Testifying Before Congress – New B.log Post
June 26, 2012
Read post (read more)
Ben Testifies Before the US Congress
June 23, 2012
On June 6, 2012 Ben testified before the United States Congress on the subject of performance rights and the future of audio. Read blog post here (read more)
The Tradition of Jazz is Non-Traditionalism: Ben’s Conversation with Aaron Siegel Part 2
January 26, 2012
Read blog post. (read more)
The Tradition of Jazz is Non-Traditionalism: My Conversation with Aaron Siegel Part 2
January 26, 2012
Read more (read more)
Keeping Pirates at Bay – Ben Speaks Out on The Checkout, WBGO-FM
January 24, 2012
I talk to WBGO’s Josh Jackson about my Carnegie Hall debut, my recent album, and my defense of intellectual property. Listen (read more)
Action-Refraction picked as “Best Foreign CD” by All About Jazz Italia
January 21, 2012
italia.allaboutjazz.com (read more)
Carnegie Hall Blog Post #3 – New Video
January 19, 2012
In this third video for Carnegie Hall, we walk around the neighborhood and talk about how the sounds of NYC have influenced me musically. View Carnegie Hall Blog (read more)
SOPA is Not An issue of Freedom of Speech
January 10, 2012
There’s an important debate that’s beginning to emerge, the outcome of which promises to have a profound impact on the music industry. The proposed Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) would allow the Justice Department to shut down (after due process) what are called “rogue” websites. Rogue websites like Pirate Bay are offshore or foreign sites whose main purpose is to offer pirated content (music,… (read more)
Action-Refraction Makes JazzTimes List of Top 40 CDs of 2011
January 4, 2012
Read full article here. (read more)
Ben Allison Band graphic T-shirt now available
January 2, 2012
Ben Allison Band graphic T-shirt is now available. Super soft 100% cotton T in medium and large sizes. Check it out on the Merch page (read more)
Action-Refraction Makes Emusic’s List of Top CDs of 2011
December 30, 2011
check out the complete list…. (read more)
Ben Allison, Anthrax, The Strokes, Drake Make Time Out NY Best of 2011 List
December 16, 2011
“Bassist Allison wrote only one of the pieces on his tenth full-length, but his guitar-and-keyboard-driven versions of works by Donny Hathaway, Samuel Barber, PJ Harvey and others felt wholly personal, like an ingeniously curated gallery exhibit.” Read full article… (read more)
Ben’s Carnegie Hall Blog #2 – Walking the Jazz Composer’s Tightrope
December 13, 2011
In the second in a series of personal, behind-the-scenes, and rehearsal videos during his debut year at Carnegie Hall, Ben Allison introduces a second key member of the band that will play on February 3—percussionist Rogerio Boccato—and expands on his philosophy of jazz composition and performance. View video at carnegiehall.org… (read more)
Ben’s Carnegie Hall Blog #2 – Walking the Jazz Composer’s Tightrope
December 13, 2011
In the second in a series of personal, behind-the-scenes, and rehearsal videos during his debut year at Carnegie Hall, Ben Allison introduces a second key member of the band that will play on February 3—percussionist Rogerio Boccato—and expands on his philosophy of jazz composition and performance. View video at carnegiehall.org… (read more)
Action-Refraction Makes NPR’s List of Top 10 Jazz CDs of 2011
December 10, 2011
“The bassist Ben Allison — also known as a great composer — has been gradually merging this personal history into his jazz training. It hits a high-water mark with Action-Refraction, an album of covers . . .” read more (read more)
Action-Refraction Makes NPR’s List of Top 10 Jazz CDs of 2011
December 10, 2011
“The bassist Ben Allison — also known as a great composer — has been gradually merging this personal history into his jazz training. It hits a high-water mark with Action-Refraction, an album of covers . . .” read more (read more)
Ben’s Carnegie Hall Blog – Jazz Is Social Music
December 7, 2011
Yesterday on the blog, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire spoke about a community of jazz musicians and wanting jazz musicians “to socialize.” In our ongoing series that showcases his journey and experience of making a Carnegie Hall debut, bassist Ben Allison expands on the concept of jazz as a social music, where fellow musicians are crucial to the composing process. Read more. (read more)
Ben’s Carnegie Hall Blog – Jazz Is Social Music
December 7, 2011
In our ongoing series that showcases his journey and experience of making a Carnegie Hall debut, bassist Ben Allison expands on the concept of jazz as a social music, where fellow musicians are crucial to the composing process. Read View video at carnegiehall.org….. (read more)
Paul Motian – 1931-2011
November 22, 2011
Drummer Paul Motian was one of my favorite musicians of all time. I heard him at the Vanguard and Visiones in NYC many times in the mid to late 1980s – the Trio with Joe Lovano and Bill Frisell. One of my most enduring memories is of him hitting his cymbals hard at the end of the last tune of the last set, jumping up from his kit and heading out the door of the club just as the ring of the cymbal… (read more)
Paul Motian – 1931-2011
November 22, 2011
Drummer Paul Motian was one of my favorite musicians of all time. I heard him at the Vanguard and Visiones in NYC many times in the mid to late 1980s – the Trio with Joe Lovano and Bill Frisell. One of my most enduring memories is of him hitting his cymbals hard at the end of the last tune of the last set, jumping up from his kit and heading out the door of the club just as the ring of the cymbal… (read more)
New Video – Ben Allison Band @ Littlefield, NYC – We’ve Only Just Begun
October 26, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/benallisonmusic#p/u/11/t0Wf2SP0rJ4 (read more)
New Video – Ben Allison Band @ Littlefield, NYC – We’ve Only Just Begun
October 26, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/benallisonmusic#p/u/11/t0Wf2SP0rJ4 (read more)
New Video – Ben Allison Band @ Littlefield, NYC – Broken
October 26, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/benallisonmusic#p/u/12/ayrjoin8Af4 (read more)
New Video – Ben Allison Band @ Littlefield, NYC – Broken
October 26, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/benallisonmusic#p/u/12/ayrjoin8Af4 (read more)
My Thoughts on Music Journalism
September 15, 2011
Music writer Willard Jenkins recently polled a number of musicians, asking for their thoughts about music journalism. For the next few weeks he’ll be posting the responses on his blog. My take is featured this week: www.openskyjazz.com (read more)
Ben’s Thoughts on Music Journalism
September 15, 2011
 Music writer Willard Jenkins recently polled a number of musicians, asking for their thoughts about music journalism. For the next few weeks he’ll be posting the responses on his blog. My take is featured this week: www.openskyjazz.com (read more)
Ben Allison on Ornette Coleman, JazzTimes Magazine
September 6, 2011
I wrote a short piece for JazzTimes Magazine on Ornette Coleman’s music and how it was an early influence in my musical life. You can read it at jazztimes.com (read more)
Artist’s Choice: Ben Allison on Ornette Coleman, JazzTimes Magazine
September 6, 2011
I wrote a short piece for JazzTimes Magazine on Ornette Coleman’s music and how it was an early influence in my musical life. You can read it at jazztimes.com (read more)
“Groove is in the Heart” Premiere Guitar Magazine Article
August 16, 2011
Here’s a short lesson I wrote for Premiere Guitar Magazine on groove. It’s geared towards musicians but hopefully could be appreciated by anyone with an interest in how musicians think about rhythm. Read it here (read more)
“Groove is in the Heart” Premier Guitar Magazine Article
August 16, 2011
Here’s a short lesson I wrote for Premier Guitar Magazine on groove. It’s geared towards musicians but hopefully could be appreciated by anyone with an interest in how musicians think about rhythm. Read it here (read more)
Ben Cited in 2011 Downbeat Critics Poll
August 15, 2011
I’m honored and humbled to be included in this list of great bassists by Downbeat Magazine in their annual Critics Poll. I’m not sure I’m worthy but I thank the critics who voted for me. It feels good to have your work recognized. I especially love the idea of celebrating the genius of these incredible musicians. I had the chance to hear Christian play a blues with my friend, drummer Matt Wilson… (read more)
Ben To Appear on WNYC to smackdown Spotify – July 19
July 18, 2011
I’ve been invited to appear on WNYC’s Sound Check on July 19 at 2 PM EST (-5 GMT) in an open and spirited conversation with Steve Smith, Music Editor at TIme Out NY. We’ll be talking about the new music industry, the P2P generation and what it means for the future of creative music. To listen live or stream the archive click here (read more)
Action-Refraction – Top 25 Albums of 2011 (So Far), NPR Music
June 14, 2011
Action-Refraction has been picked by the editors of NPR Music as one of their 25 favorite albums of 2011 (so far), joining great records by Bon Iver, Adele, Jill Scott, and Ballake Sissoko & Vincent Segal. Read the feature here (read more)
Personal and Unpredictable – Ben on NPR’s All Things Considered
June 11, 2011
I had an interesting conversation about the new album, my band, and music in general with Rachel Martin on All Things Considered. You can stream it here (read more)
Ben Allison Band to headline at Saratoga Jazz Festival
May 16, 2011
Saturday, June 25 – Saratoga Jazz Festival, NY Get your tickets now for this awesome day of music on the beautiful fields of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. In what’s being billed as the “Ben Allison Triple Play,” Ben will lead his band on the Main Stage, perform in Steve Cardenas’ Trio on the Gazebo stage, and be the subject of a Downbeat Magazine Live Blindfold Test hosted by acclaimed… (read more)
Discussing music with JazzTimes Magazine
May 10, 2011
Lee Mergener, editor of JazzTimes magazine called me up the other day to talk about music. I enjoyed the conversation, most of which is available on jazztimes.com (read more)
Action-Refraction hits #1 on US Jazz Radio
May 2, 2011
The streak is continues! Ben’s new album tops the CMJ national jazz radio charts, marking his 6th consecutive #1 CD. You can buy Action-Refraction at http://benallison.com/music Here’s a partial list of the stations that made it happen: CKUW- Winnipeg KABF-Little Rock, AR KBUT-Crested Butte, CO KCCK-Cedar Rapids, IA KCHO-Chico KCRW-Los Angeles, CA KDHX-St. Louis, MO KDNK-Carbondale CO KEOL-Le… (read more)
Video – Ben discusses Action-Refraction at J@LC
April 22, 2011
http://bit.ly/efSmTZ (read more)
Ben Allison Tuesdays @ Kush resume this week
April 17, 2011
On April 19, Ben will be back at Kush along with Shane Endsley (trumpet), Steve Cardenas (guitar), Mark Guiliana (drums). Kush 191 Chrystie Street (between Stanton and Rivington) Google map it See the flyer (read more)
Action-Refraction Debuts at #11 on CMJ Jazz Radio Charts
April 13, 2011
A big thank you to the following stations for spinning the new album. KBUT-Crested Butte CO KCRW-Los Angeles KDNK-Carbondale CO KHNS-Haines AK KKFI-Kansas City KPFA-Berkeley KRFC-Fort Collins-CO KSDS-San Diego KSJS-San Jose KUNM-Albuquerque KUSP-San Jose KUVO-Denver WCLK-Atlanta WDNA-Miami WERU-Blue Hills ME WFWM-Frostburg MD WGVU-Grand Rapids WMPG-Portland WPKN-Bridgeport CT WPRB-Trenton WRBC-Lewiston… (read more)
Wall Street Journal Feature on Ben
April 12, 2011
Read it (read more)
Action-Refraction Released Today w/ NYC Performances April 12-13
April 10, 2011
Join the Ben Allison Band Tuesday-Wednesday, April 12-13 at the Jazz Standard NYC. FROM THE PRESS RELEASE To celebrate his 10th album, Ben has turned his ear towards the music of some of his favorite artists, creating an inspired, atmospheric – and at times, art-rock – mixtape featuring the music of PJ Harvey, Donny Hathaway, Thelonious Monk, Neil Young, Samuel Barber and Roger Nichols. The idea… (read more)
Ben Set to Release Action-Refraction with NYC Performances April 12-13
April 10, 2011
Join the Ben Allison Band Tuesday-Wednesday, April 12-13 at the Jazz Standard NYC. (read more)
Ben's live chat on NPR Archived
April 5, 2011
http://t.co/RUkc8qX (read more)
Ben’s live chat on NPR Archived
April 5, 2011
Check it out here (read more)
Action-Refraction – Stream Entire Album for Free on NPR
April 4, 2011
Listen here (read more)
Action-Refraction - Stream Entire Album for Free on NPR
April 4, 2011
http://www.npr.org/2011/04/03/135039045/first-listen-ben-allison-action-refraction (read more)
Ben Allison Interviewed on JazzSession
March 24, 2011
http://thejazzsession.com/2011/03/24/the-jazz-session-251-ben-allison/   (read more)
Ben Allison Interviewed on JazzSession
March 24, 2011
Listen here (read more)
Ben Allison Band – Live from Southampton UK on BBC
March 3, 2011
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yyd3d (read more)
Ben Allison Band Plays On The Media Theme "LIVE"
February 11, 2011
In celebration of 10 years of the NPR radio show On The Media, Ben Allison will perform his well-known theme live in front of a studio audience. The show will air during the week of February 19-25 on the hundreds of NPR affiliate stations throughout the US that carry program. Please visit http://www.onthemedia.org for more information and station listings (read more)
Ben Allison Band Plays On The Media Theme "LIVE"
February 11, 2011
In celebration of 10 years of the NPR radio show On The Media, Ben Allison will perform his well-known theme live in front of a studio audience. The show will air during the week of February 19-25 on the hundreds of NPR affiliate stations throughout the US that carry program. Please visit http://www.onthemedia.org for more information and station listings (read more)
Ben Allison Band in Belgium, England, Italy
January 29, 2011
February 1 - Koninklijk Conservatory, Keizerstraat 15, Antwerp, Belgium February 2 - de Singel, Desguinlei 25, Antwerpen, Belgium February 4 - Turner Sims Hall, Southampton, EnglandFebruary 6 - Teatro Manzoni, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Milano, ItalyFebruary 7 - Carambolage, Via Argentieri 19, Bolzano, Italy (read more)
Ben Allison Band in Belgium, England, Italy
January 29, 2011
February 1 – Koninklijk Conservatory, Keizerstraat 15, Antwerp, Belgium February 2 – de Singel, Desguinlei 25, Antwerpen, Belgium February 4 – Turner Sims Hall, Southampton, England February 6 – Teatro Manzoni, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Milano, Italy February 7 – Carambolage, Via Argentieri 19, Bolzano, Italy (read more)
Ben Allison Band Records New CD, Due Out April 12
December 10, 2010
In early December, Ben hit the studio to record his 10th CD as a leader. His band of stellar improvisers includes Jason Lindner (analog synth and piano), Steve Cardenas (guitar), Michael Blake (tenor sax and bass clarinet), Brandon Seabrook (guitar), and Rudy Royston (drums). For this CD, the focus was on covers. Ben’s reputation as a composer is, by now, well established. But he is equally at home… (read more)
Ben Allison Band Records New CD, Due Out April 12
December 10, 2010
In early December, Ben hit the studio to record his 10th CD as a leader. His band of stellar improvisers includes Jason Lindner (analog synth and piano), Steve Cardenas (guitar), Michael Blake (tenor sax and bass clarinet), Brandon Seabrook (guitar), and Rudy Royston (drums).For this CD, the focus was on covers. Ben's reputation as a composer is, by now, well established. But he is equally at home… (read more)
Review of Ben's concert at Yale University, November 12, 2010
November 19, 2010
(read more)
Review of Ben’s concert at Yale University, November 12, 2010
November 19, 2010
(read more)
Ben scores Play Name short film
November 9, 2010
(read more)
Article and interview with Ben in New Haven Register
November 7, 2010
(read more)
Ben Begins Sundays at KUSH, NYC - Sept, Oct, Nov
September 15, 2010
(read more)
“Our goal was to promote new works. It didn’t have to b ‘in’ or ‘out,’ tonal or atonal. It just had to be personal.” Ben interviewed on KUHF
August 21, 2010
(read more)
On sale now - THINK FREE CD at Amazon.com for only $5
August 15, 2010
(read more)
Stream Ben's Set at the Newport Jazz Festival
August 10, 2010
(read more)
Newport Jazz Festival Preview
August 4, 2010
NPR Jazz's A Blog Supreme previews the 2010 Newport Jazz Festival with "8 to Watch," a list of 8 newsworthy musicians who will perform. Includes a preview of Ben's band with some choice words about guitarist Steve Cardenas. (read more)
Ben interviewed for SESAC magazine
August 1, 2010
(read more)
Ben cited in 2010 Downbeat Critics Poll - Rising Star Bassist, Composer, Arranger
July 2, 2010
(read more)
A nice write-up of Think Free on jazzreview.com. Always cool when someone gets it.
May 31, 2010
(read more)
Re-broadcast Italian Radio Tre - Ben Allison Band, Live at MITO Festival 2009
May 1, 2010
Italian Radio Tre will re-broadcast the stellar performance by the Ben Allison Band at the MITO Festival in Milan in September, 2009. The broadcast date is May 5, 2010 at 8:30 PM, Milan time (2:30 PM New York City time).  You can stream it here: http://www.radio3.rai.it Other groups on the same program include the Salis/Angeli/Drake Tio and the Steve Swallow Quartet with Carla Bley, Chris Cheek… (read more)
Ben Allison Band - European Tour CANCELLED
April 17, 2010
Due to massive flight cancellations surrounding the volcanic eruption in Iceland, the Ben Allison Band's April, 2010 European tour has been cancelled. Affected dates include April 19 (Bolzano, Itaoy), April 21 (Navarra, Spain), April 23 (Torino, Italy) and April 24 (Rotterdam, Netherlands). (read more)
New Blog Post: New Lineup Performs at Abrons Arts Center, NYC
April 16, 2010
Thanks to all who came out to listen as I experimented with a new band lineup last weekend (April 11, 2010) at the Abrons Arts Center in New York City. I really appreciate the support (and standing-o!). Also, big thanks to Carnegie Hall who sponsored the show. They continue to have a significant and positive impact on the cultural health of our great city and I’m thankful for the opportunities they… (read more)
International Jazz Masters Program, Siena, Italy
April 3, 2010
Ben will be part of the faculty at Siena Jazz's International Jazz Masters Program in Siena Italy from April 7-10. Other instructors include Enrico Rava, Ben Perowsky, Aaron Goldberg, Massimo Manzi, Hein Van de Geyn and more. (read more)
Ben Allison Band - Newport Jazz Festival fan discount!
March 31, 2010
Ben Allison is appearing at the CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival on August 8.   The festival runs from August 6 – 8 , 2010 in Newport, RI.  See complete festival line-up at www.newportjazzfest.netSpecial artist fan “early-buy” discount...As a Ben Allison fan, you can get $10 off general admission tickets using promo code ARTIST if you purchase your tickets on-line by Friday, April 9, 2010.Discount… (read more)
New Video Posted - Ben Allison Band plays Man Size Safe
March 5, 2010
(read more)
New Video Posted - Ben Allison Band Performing Fred
March 5, 2010
(read more)
Great Ben Allison interview on SearchAndRestore podcast
February 25, 2010
Ben talks about his music, Think Free, the Jazz Composers Collective, the New York City music scene and more. (read more)
Ben Allison Band Feb Tour Dates - Houston, MN, MI, Chicago
January 20, 2010
Don't miss the Ben Allison Band's upcoming US tour.  February 3 - Houston, TX, Wortham Center / Grady Middle School class February 4 - Houtson, TX, Radio appearances KUHF, KTSU / Project Grad "Chamber Strings" February 5 - Houtson, TX, High School for the Performing Arts - full day residency and concert February 6 - Houston, TX, Cullen Theater February 7 - Houston, TX, da Camera February… (read more)
Think Free review at Jazzenzo, Dutch Jazz Mag
January 9, 2010
http://www.jazzenzo.nl/pivot/entry.php?id=2459 (read more)
Think Free Returns to Top of US Jazz Radio Charts
January 6, 2010
After an astounding 10 weeks in the top 5 of the CMJ US Jazz Radio Charts, Think Free has regained the #1 spot making it one of the most played CDs of the past 12 months. (read more)
Think Free featured on Soundview - Week of January 18
December 28, 2009
SoundViews is a weekly new & recent release spotlight produced by Willard Jenkins for WPFW, Pacifica Radio in Washington, DC. SoundViews airs four times weekly plus a 30-minute spotlight spin on the Ancient Future Thursday morning drivetime radio program. (read more)
New Video added - Ben Allison Band Performing Green Al
December 10, 2009
Ben Allison Band, Live a Jazz Standard, NYC October 17, 2009 The Ben Allison Band is: Jenny Scheinman - violin Shane Endsley - trumpet Steve Cardenas - guitar Ben Allison - bass Rudy Royston - drums (read more)
Green Al and Platypus added to The Think Free Project.
December 8, 2009
Attention musicians: Green Al and Platypus, both from the Think Free CD, have been added to the list of tunes available for submission to The Think Free Project. (read more)
NPR Weekend Edition Picks Think Free For Music Gift Guide
December 6, 2009
(read more)
Think Free Tops US Jazz Radio Charts for 3rd Consecutive Week
December 4, 2009
Think Free has reached #1 on the CMJ national jazz radio charts with 118 stations reporting airplay. (read more)
Green Al chart added to benallison.com
November 27, 2009
We've added the tune Green Al (from Think Free) to the Sheet Music page at www.benallison.com As always, the charts is $5 and available in Concert and Bb keys. Green Al is one of my most-requested tunes when we play live. (read more)
Think Free Tops US Jazz Radio Charts
November 19, 2009
Think Free has reached #1 on the CMJ national jazz radio charts with 118 stations reporting airplay.   Here are the top 5:  1 BEN ALLISON - Think Free - Palmetto2 PONCHO SANCHEZ - Psychedelic Blues - Concord3 VIJAY IYER TRIO - Historicity - ACT4 MEDESKI MARTIN AND WOOD - Radiolarians III - Indirecto5 BEN SIDRAN - Dylan… (read more)
The Think Free Project - Calling All Musicians and Filmmakers
October 28, 2009
- The Think Free Project - Calling all Musicians and Filmmakers!Jazzer/rocker Ben Allison has made a name for himself with his grooving, lyrical, and often cinematic compositions. Now he's looking for your take on his music. As a natural extension to his most recent release, THINK FREE, Ben is inviting musicians and filmmakers to submit their own musical rendition and/or visual interpretation… (read more)
New Charts added to www.benallison.com
October 13, 2009
Sheet music for the following compositions from Ben Allison's new CD, Think Free, have been added to the online store at www.benallison.com:FredPlatypusKramer vs. Kramer vs. Godzilla (read more)