John Allred (Trombone - USA)

John Allred knew at a young age that he wanted to carry on the jazz legacy of his grandfather and father. Born in Rock Island, Illinois and growing up in a musical environment, John developed a deep appreciation for jazz.

At the age of 13 years, John played his first jazz festival on trombone with his father, Bill Allred. A world-class trombonist, Bill played an important part in John's early musical development. Upon graduation from high school, John relocated to Southern California to start playing professionally with The Jazz Minors, a six-piece Dixieland jazz band at Disneyland in Anaheim.

Still in his teens, John became very active in the Los Angeles music scene. In addition to his interest in early jazz, he ventured into other musical styles. John's versatility allowed him many opportunities to perform with big bands and studio orchestras.

In 1987 John enthusiastically accepted an offer to join Woody Herman and The Young Thundering Herd as lead trombonist and featured soloist. With the Herd, John performed with Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, Stan Getz, and Rosemary Clooney to name a few. During his engagement with Woody's band, John played in hundreds of clubs, concert halls and colleges across the nation, including Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center.

John then relocated to Florida, becoming active in the jazz and studio scenes. For the major motion picture My Girl, John coached actor Dan Ackroyd to appear as if he were playing the tuba. John also recorded the tuba parts for the sound track.

In Orlando, John began working more with his father Bill in Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2000, this band continues to tour internationally, reaching thousands of fans and producing many exciting recordings.

John has also performed in many production shows for headliners such as: Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Paul Anka, Wayne Newton, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Regis and Kathy Lee, the Moody Blues, The Temptations, and The Four Tops.

In 1990 John accepted a spot with the famed Matteson-Phillips Tuba-Jazz Consort. This unique ensemble featured John on euphonium alongside jazz great Rich Matteson and famous tubist Harvey Phillips.

John released his first trombone solo recording, IN THE BEGINNING with Arbors Records in 1993 (ARCD 19115). (See album information at left.) In 1998 the John Allred Quintet released FOCUSED on the AppleJazz label (AJCD 0062). Of this recording, Don Sebesky writes:

"John Allred is a MONSTER! - Very scary. I haven't been so impressed with a trombone player since Carl Fontana. John plays the way I always wanted to, but didn't have the chops. He can be in my band anytime."

Having relocated to New York City in 1999, John Allred can be found performing with groups such as Toshiko Akiyoshi's Big Band, The Woody Herman Orchestra under the direction of Frank Tiberi, The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, as well as productions for Dick Hyman, and George Wein for the JVC Jazz Festival. John has also appeared on many recent jazz recordings ranging from traditional to modern.

Photo courtesy of Bruce Lindsay