Sideman to the stars plays at weekly Bedford jazz night

Brandon Allen was born in Perth, Western Australia and took up the saxophone at age 13.

After graduating from Corpus Christi College he was accepted into the Western Australian Conservatorium of Music, studying for a bachelor degree, majoring in jazz performance.

He toured extensively with Dr Bogus and the Wizards of Wonder (a show band) throughout Australia for a year and a half, as well as working with various groups in Perth before relocating to London.

Since arriving in the UK, Brandon has worked with many varied artists and groups ensembles.

He has performed within the jazz, funk, R&B, hip hop, soul, big band, classical and pop genres whilst also working as a session musician, composer and arranger for commercial music and films.

Brandon’s playing has been featured on films including Alfie (2004) and The Look of Love (2013).

Brandon has performed with an extensive list of high profile musicians including Eric Clapton, Mica Paris, Jools Holland, Paloma Faith, Neil Diamond and the, BBC Big Band. On top of all this, Brandon regularly hosts the Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s with his quartet.

Brandon will play at the weekly jazz session at the Bedford Arms on Monday May 9, joined by Tim Lapthorn on piano, Arnie Somgyi on the double bass and Mark Hale at the drums. Music starts at 8.30pm with a suggested donation of £5 per person which pays for the musicians’ performance and keeps the night running on a weekly basis.