I just returned from South Africa and it was my first trip there. First, let me say THANK YOU to everyone there that I had the pleasure of meeting and playing with. It was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. Everyone that I met so just beautiful, kind and loving people. I was in town called Grahmstown. Just amazing and I look forward to going back again. I was so moved by the experience that I wrote a song title "Grahmstown" that I just recorded with Rodney Whitaker on our latest recording for Mack Avenue Records. Speaking of that recording we had some of the most fun playing music and fellowshipping with musicians and others that made the entire session a pure joy. The session included Rodney Jones, Vincent Herring, Kirk Whalum (yes, Kirk Whalum), George Colligan and Rob Robinson among others. I would like to say thank you to all of the guys that participated. Much appreciated. I will let you all about a release date but it will be sometime in early 2009.

Currently I am in Europe and will be going to Korea, Utah and Japan over the next several weeks. I am also very excited about some upcoming tour dates and a recording with Christian McBride. Last year this band (with Steve Wilson, Warren Wolf, Eric Reed, Christian and myself) did a week in NYC at The Village Vanguard. It some of the most fun that I have EVER had playing music. Looking forward to that.

Someone recently told me that "Life is 10% what happens but 90% what you do with what happens". That was powerful. Make something happen, it's up to you!

My prayer is that everyone will have even better year than you can even imagine. If you can think it, it can be done. It's ALL possible! "Expectations causes preparation and preparation produces confidence".

If you are at a music store or university and are interested in me coming to your store or school please feel free to contact me. My contact information is listed on my website.

If you are interested in booking ''The Carl Allen - Rodney Whitaker Project' please contact me directly via email at carl@carlallen.com. If you are interested in booking me or CARL ALLEN & NEW SPIRIT' contact me at carl@carlallen.com

EDUCATIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
As of February 2008 I am the new Artistic Diector of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City.

Please feel free to browse around and if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to send them to me via email at carl@carlallen.com.

Thanks for stopping by and please come again.