A name that will be known after fall appearances at the Monterey Jazz Festival and the SF JAZZ Saxophonist Innovators Series is that of Allison Au. Named one of the top 10 female jazz instrumentalists to watch by SF JAZZ, Allison Au is a rising star saxophonist, improviser, composer, and bandleader.
The Toronto-based alto saxophonist is making her Buffalo debut at the JazzBuffalo Premier Event Series at Nichols Flickinger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, October 19th. Tickets are available on Eventbrite with discounts for a limited time only at this link: The Allison Au Quartet
Au’s appearance comes in the midst of an incredible run of recognition that has included the Juno Award for Best Jazz Album of the Year for the album Forest Grove, Juno Award Nominations for Best Jazz Album of the Year for both The Sky Was Pale Blue, then Grey and Wander Wonder, winner of the 2017 Montreal Jazz Festival TD Grand Prix de Jazz, and three consecutive artist residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Such recognition has made her a much sought-after artist with numerous jazz festival appearances. Including this fall’s Monterey Jazz Festival.
Allison Au’s innovative music is noted for its warm tones with inspiration coming from Afro-Caribbean rhythms, post-bop expressions, and infused R&B sounds. Since forming her quartet, a decade ago, the group has developed improvisational chemistry hard to replicate in a world where jazz musician often come together spontaneously or for short periods of time.
This chemistry has resulted in three notable albums focused on original compositions reflective of exploratory ideas and inspiring innovation. Her Juno Award-winning album Forest Grove and latest Wander Wonder album showcase her talents as a prolific composer with superb melodic forms. Straddling between the hard bop cadences often found with the alto sax in jazz and piano-based lyrical elements that fill spaces with beauty.
Her music is consistently found on Toronto’s Jazz FM 91 and has climbed the charts on jazz radio programs throughout the U.S. JazzBuffalo is excited to present an award-winning jazz artist whose star is rising in an accelerated fashion. A next-generation jazz artist not to be missed.
The Allison Au Quartet will be appearing on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00 pm at the state-of-the-art Nichols Flickinger Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nichols. A stand-alone PAC with superb sound and lighting capabilities. Tickets are available via Eventbrite with discounts included for a limited time at this link: The Allison Au Quartet
“Allison has a distinctive and conversational tone that sets her apart from the crowd…” – Hobart Taylor, KUCI Radio
“…an exceptionally cohesive band that has internalized all of the music’s intricacies. Au’s playing is spirited and confident throughout.” – Peter Hum, The Ottawa Citizen
“Imaginatively written and performed modern jazz.” – Mike Gates, UK Vibe
“…a musician with such an erudite voice, a saxophonist with so distinctive a tone…” – Raul Da Gama, Toronto Music Report
“Canada has found a new jazz ambassador!” – Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here
