Carl Allen
Jazz Faculty

Drummer Carl Allen, a Juilliard jazz faculty member since 2001, is a Milwaukee native. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and William Paterson College in Wayne, N.J., and holds a bachelor's degree in jazz studies and performance. Allen has performed with Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, and Sonny Stitt and recorded with Terence Blanchard, Joe Henderson, Vincent Herring, and Eric Reed. He is currently touring with two of his own groups, Carl Allen & New Spirit and Carl Allen's Pilgrimage. He also tours with Bobby Hutcherson and Benny Golson, among others.

Carl Allen at the drums.

When did you first know you wanted to be a musician and how did you come to know it?

I grew up in a family of musicians. My mother was a gospel singer and we were exposed to a lot of styles of music. I didn't ever think "I want to be a musician"—it was just a way of life for me. I just could not imagine doing anything else.



Who was the teacher or mentor who most inspired you when you were growing up and what did you learn from that person?

There were a few people who inspired me growing up. First and foremost was my mother. There was also my first drum teacher, Roy Sneider, who taught me the basics of drumming. When I started high school, my band director (Robert Siemele) was a drummer, and he was the first person to talk to me about jazz and jazz drummers. He was very instrumental in helping me to learn the language of jazz drumming.



What was the first recording (LP, CD, etc.) that you remember hearing or buying? What was its significance to you?

The first jazz recording that I bought was by Benny Carter. I hated it because I didn't understand it. I don't remember the name of it, but I remember buying it for 50 cents and being happy that I was able to sell it for 75 cents. Unfortunately it had no significance for me at that time.



What's the most embarrassing moment you've had as a performer?

I recall one of the first jazz gigs I ever did, at age 16, with Sonny Stitt and Red Holloway. I remember playing "Cherokee." It was very fast for me at the time, and I couldn't play that fast, so it kept slowing down. They would just turn around, look at me, and say, "It's cool, baby boy, we'll get it together." It hurt, but it was a great lesson nonetheless.



If you could have your students visit any place in the world, where would it be, and why?

Africa. I was recently in Senegal, and to witness people play music with such a high level of passion who are not schooled in the traditional sense of education as we know it was very humbling. So much passion, and such a strong bond with the music!



What are your non-music related interests or hobbies? What would people be surprised to know about you?

Reading—and I'm a gadget fanatic. I love computers and technology. People would be surprised to know that I am very much a loner, somewhat of an introvert. It's hard to tell when you see me out and about, but when I'm alone, I'm in heaven. I also love cigars.



What is your proudest accomplishment in life?

My proudest accomplishment in life is accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and becoming a father. My son is the joy of my life.



What "words of wisdom" can you offer young people entering the field today?

Have love, respect, and passion for people and for the music. It all comes back to you multifold.