“He’s reamplifying the tradition of jazz piano, and he’s lifting up a legacy that’s the foundation for many people” (New York Times). Accomplished multi-instrumentalist Luther S. Allison has forged a path on both piano and drum set, cementing himself as one of the leading voices of his generation in jazz. The Charlotte, North Carolina native is recognized for his blues-based, gospel-inspired playing with deep roots in the tradition of swing and soul music.
Upon completing his B.A. in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Tennessee and M.M. in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, Allison began a career steadily touring and recording on both instruments, supporting the likes of José James, Samara Joy, Jazzmeia Horn, The Count Basie Orchestra, Kurt Elling, and The Baylor Project among others.
Allison’s debut album, I Owe It All To You, was released on Posi-Tone Records, highlighting his noteworthy arrangements, compositional prowess, and exceptional skill as a pianist. Rated 4.5 stars by Downbeat, the album was described as “a portrait of a straight-ahead pianist who seems to have no weak points in his arsenal.” Allison is also featured as a sideman on numerous projects – notably the GRAMMY Award-winning single, “Tight,” supporting vocalist Samara Joy.
As a composer, Allison has already left an indelible mark, leading to his commission by Wynton Marsalis to compose an original work for the esteemed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Allison was also commissioned by Jazz at Lincoln Center to music direct and arrange the Sacred Works of Duke Ellington, initially featured in Dizzy’s Club and later expanded for the Appel Room. Alongside his achievements as a musician/composer/music director, Allison is featured as both an actor and recorded musician on Maggie Gyllenhaal’s film The Bride, contributing both on and off screen with several recorded tracks for the film score.
Allison is a distinguished touring artist who has taken the stage at notable venues such as Kennedy Center, Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room, Blue Note, and the Village Vanguard. He has also been featured at renowned jazz festivals including Newport, North Sea, Umbria, Marciac, Jazz A Vienne, Monterey, Atlanta, Detroit, and Washington, DC, among others.
In addition to his work as a bandleader and sideman, Allison is a consummate educator and curator – having served as Adjunct Jazz Faculty and Chair of the Percussion Department at The Calhoun School in New York City. He has also served on faculty for numerous summer intensives, namely the Stanford Jazz Workshop and the Brevard Jazz Institute. Allison has worked in conjunction with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem as a Curatorial Fellow, where he assisted the organization by programming and curating events in the museum for an entire calendar year. Moreover, Allison has curated and music directed performances for the Louis Armstrong Museum, Jamal Jackson Dance Company’s work Adultification, and the Soapbox Presents series in Harlem.