Canadian Jazz Saxophonist • Composer • Educator
Award-winning saxophonist Mike Allen is one of Canada’s most respected voices on the tenor saxophone, known for a sound that is at once lyrical, searching, and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. With a career spanning decades across Canada and the United States, he has established himself as a compelling improviser, composer, and bandleader.
A graduate of New York University’s Master’s program in Jazz Performance, Allen studied with masters of the music including Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, and Dave Liebman. His career has included collaborations with leading international artists such as Kenny Wheeler, Gary Bartz, Cedar Walton, and Don Friedman, as well as work on Michael Bublé’s Grammy Award–winning album Crazy Love.
Allen has released over a dozen recordings as a leader, earning critical acclaim and national recognition. His albums Dialectic and Love One Another received major Canadian awards, and his work has been featured on CBC and NPR, as well as in publications including DownBeat and All About Jazz. His recordings have charted internationally, reflecting both artistic depth and broad appeal.
Now based on Canada’s West Coast, Allen continues to perform, record, and teach, bringing a lifetime of experience to the bandstand. His playing has been described as “spare, elegant, melodic, soaring, fierce,” combining a deep understanding of the tradition with a fresh and personal voice.
Swinging saxophone trio standards and originals featuring the brilliant John Lee-bass and world-renowned Carl Allen-drums. Recorded by Sheldon Zarko at Warehouse Studio and "live" at Frankie's Jazz Club in Vancouver, Canada. Produced by Cory Weeds. Buy on BandCamp here: https://mikeallensax.bandcamp.com/album/to-a-star
