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Devonshire-based Pete Allen is one of the finest clarinettists working in British traditional jazz. He has led a professional jazz band for over 33 years, a tribute to his dedication to the music he loves.
Made an Honorary Citizen of New Orleans for his services to jazz, Pete embodies the lyrical Creole tradition of that city’s great jazz clarinettists, with a, rich, woody timbre in the lower register and full tone even when exploring the upper reaches of the instrument. On soprano sax, he has been likened to the legendary Sidney Bechet, playing with a passionate intensity that creates great excitement. Pete’s enthusiasm and professionalism shine through everything he does, ensuring that each performance is both entertaining and musically rewarding.
Over the years Pete has appeared on many television and radio shows, both with his own band and as a solo artiste. He has topped the bill in those magical homes of jazz, St. Louis, Sacramento and of course, New Orleans. In the mid-eighties he was chosen to lead the Worldwide All Stars at the Jazz Jubilee in Sacramento. More recently, Pete has been selected to play for the European Top Eight Jazz Band in Germany on a number of occasions, and the Philips International All Stars in Holland. He also fronts the London-Paris All Stars and his own chosen European Swing Band. He has also played alongside American Jazz Greats 'Peanuts' Hucko, Bud Freeman, Bob Wilbur, Marty Grosz, Billy Butterfield, Barrett Deems and Jack Lesberg.
At the Customs House, Pete will be backed by a five piece band chosen from the pick of local traditional jazz musicians.