Colleen Allen
2022 TMA149 Musician of the Year Award Recipient
Colleen Allen’s musical journey is a study in the life of the contemporary musician. She is a world class woodwind doubler who effortlessly navigates disparate styles, bringing her warm tone, impeccable taste, phrasing and artistic depth to every situation she plays in. She is a compelling jazz improviser who combines a forward thinking philosophy with a deep knowledge of and respect for the tradition. Her years as an educator reflect her insightful and empathetic approach to the needs of a new generation of students. As an organizer she has applied her considerable overview of music and the music scene to the benefit of the wider community.
Born in Alberta and raised in Ottawa, Colleen moved to Toronto to study, first at Mohawk College and later in the Humber College Music Program. Since then she has enjoyed a remarkably varied career spanning live performances, studio work and teaching. She has graced stages in North America and Europe with a diverse range of artists including Molly Johnson, David Clayton Thomas, Manteca, Holly Cole, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Rick Emmett, Marc Jordan, Jackie Richardson and Cirque de Soleil. She has been a member of the house band for the Toronto Women’s Blues Review since it began in 1986.
As a studio player her extensive recorded output covers a broad spectrum of styles. Her CDs “Colleen Allen” and “Flashlight” showcase her improvisational prowess and highlight her abilities as both a jazz composer and an interpreter of classic material.
Mentorship has played an important role in Colleen’s career. Returning to her alma mater Humber College she brought a lifetime of experience and expertise to teaching improv and performance classes. Her deep understanding of the ways different abilities and backgrounds influence student progress made her an invaluable faculty member.
Working with Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre as a resident artist Colleen curated and hosted a series of cabaret shows and was instrumental in developing innovative approaches to programming. This year Colleen was named as the new Creative Director for the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. She’s a perfect fit for the job and the festival is sure to benefit from her energy and vision. We are delighted to acknowledge Colleen’s contribution to the Toronto music scene and proud to name her as the 2022 Musician of the Year.
