Hailed by the New York Times as “a tenor saxophonist with an enigmatic, elegant and hard-driving style,” JD Allen has a unique and compelling voice on his instrument. 2016 marks his first appearance as a faculty member and performer at Jazz Port Townsend.

Originally from Detroit, Allen began his apprenticeship in New York with a lengthy tenure with Betty Carter. He has also worked with Lester Bowie, George Cables, Ron Carter, Louis Hayes, the Frank Foster Big Band, Winard Harper, Dave Douglas, Cindy Blackman, Butch Morris, David Murray, Wallace Roney, Rufus Reid, and Geri Allen.

JD has appeared on NPR’s “Jazz Perspectives,” WNYC’s “Soundcheck” and WKCR’s “Musician’s Show.” He has been named as a winner three times in Downbeat magazine’s Critic’s Polls: as a “Rising Star” in 2011; as Tenor Saxophonist in 2012; and as “Composer” in 2013. JD has six recordings as a leader already to his credit.