Harry Allen (born October 12, 1966) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist born in Washington, D.C. Early on he was recognized in high school as an exceptional talent able to play tunes such as Body and Soul in the style of tenor players Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Flip Phillips, and Sam Donahue. He is a traditionalist in the manner of Scott Hamilton. He is best known for his work with John Colianni, Keith Ingham, John Pizzarelli, and Bucky Pizzarelli.

Early life

Allen’s father, Maurice, was a big band drummer. As a child, his father played records for him; these included recordings of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, which made a lasting impression. Allen was also influenced when in high school by recordings of Scott Hamilton. Allen graduated from Rutgers University in 1988.

Critical acclaim

Allen has been identified as one of the “finest exponents of swing tenor alive today” and described by C. Michael Bailey as “the ‘Frank Sinatra’ of the tenor saxophone: a master interpreter of standards”.

Selected discography

• Someone to Light Up My Life (Mastermix)
• I Know That You Know (Mastermix)
• A Little Touch of Harry (MasterMix, 1997)

With Daryl Sherman

• Guess Who’s in Town (Arbors)

With Joe Cohn

• Restless (Arbors)
• Harry Allen–Joe Cohn Quartet with Rebecca Kilgore & Eddie Erickson: Guys and Dolls (Arbors )

With Jan Lundgren

• Quietly There (Stunt)