Allan Harris

ALLAN HARRIS - BIO
Ever since he burst on the jazz scene in the latter part of the twentieth century, the Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist/ guitarist/bandleader/composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most accomplished and exceptional singer of his generation. Aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with, “the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat ‘King' Cole,” the ample and aural evidence of Harris’ moving and magisterial artistry can be heard on his 14 recordings as a leader; his far-flung and critically-acclaimed concerts around the world, and his numerous awards, which include the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” – which he won three times – the Backstage Bistro Award for “ Ongoing Achievement in Jazz,” the DownBeat Critic’s Poll Award for “Rising Star Jazz Vocalist,” the Hot House Jazz Magazine "Jazz Vocalist of theYear Award” for both 2015 and 2016, and the Harlem Speaks “Jazz Museum of Harlem Award,” a Back Stage Bistro award for "Ongoing Achievement in Jazz," France's Palmares Award for 3rd Best Jazz Vocal Album of 2019, a Chamber Music America Residency Grant award winner and a "Pathways to Jazz" grant winner as well as a South Arts Jazz Roads Tour grant recipient. Recently awarded third place in the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, Harris is a natural entertainer, his dynamic stage presence has made him a main-stay in concert halls, theaters, jazz clubs and jazz festivals around the world. He has been called the “a protean talent" by the New York Times and has established himself as one of the jazz world's most acclaimed vocalists, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance. Heralded by The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Glide Magazine, Jazz Times, DownBeat, Vintage Guitar, and many more, Mr. Harris is a real story teller through authentic interpretations of the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues and originals.