Ron Allen
Biography
RON ALLEN (saxophonist) is a Canadian contemporary musician, composer, and producer. His solid musical credentials as an innovative tenor and soprano saxophonist have been acclaimed by contemporaries and critics since he first began gaining attention on the Ottawa jazz scene at the age of 19. He enhanced his saxophone skills to embrace mastery of the bamboo flute of North India bansuri, reed flutes of Persia and Egypt, Ney and other ancient wind instruments, becoming equally fluent with the Daduke, Japanese shakuhachi (zen flute), Erhu violin, bass flute, Turkish clarinet, and modern jazz piano.
While still under 20, he formed a trio with renowned drummer Claude Ranger, touring throughout North America, and playing with mentors including jazz giant Kenny Wheeler and sonic innovator Daniel Lanois. He has been heard on countless commercials, movie soundtracks, and more than 30 of his own albums, and composed, produced, and performed original music for Mel Gibson’s epic film, The Passion of The Christ.
He led the Ron Allen Quartet in the "Sound of Toronto Jazz" Concert Series on March 15, 1982.