projects

brainkiller - NEW RECORD ON RARE NOISE FALL 2010
BA w/Jacob Koller (keyboards) and Hernan Hecht (drums) create a wildly original
universe owing as much to Monk and Zeppelin as Xenakis and Cobain. "Despite
all manner of diversions and mood changes, the direction never seems to change.
And when they're over, I feel like I've just been told a short story." - Pitchfork
see brainkiller videos on YouTube
visit brainkiller facebook
visit brainkiller myspace

braindreamer: brian allen and jacob koller
The long-standing duo integrates acoustic and electronic sounds in an
experimental, conceptually eclectic approach. 2010 marks 10 years of
collaboration and a new CD. "The Duo creates hypnotic landscapes that gallivant
through freewheeling jazz, avant-classical and art-rock territories." - Phoenix New
Times
visit braindreamer website

brian allen || hernan hecht
The duo creates anthems for last place soccer teams, jams for alien big band
dances, and songs for calculus teachers. Augmenting their respective primary
instruments of trombone and drums, Brian and Hernan employ all manner of
electronics: 8 bit sounds, samplers, melodica and various other noisemakers.
Debut CD soon.
visit allen || hecht myspace
see allen || hecht videos on YouTube

teaching
I have taught across the US and Mexico, giving workshops at UNAM, Berklee
College of Music, Harvard University, Boston University, Florida State University,
Arizona State University, Big 12 Trombone Conference, College of Santa Fe,
Oklahoma State University, Arkansas State University, Universiyy of Alabama,
University of North Texas, University of Houston, University of Texas at San
Antonio, Anderson University, Hunter College, Tarleton University, Texas Christian
University, Stephen F Austin University, Brazosport College, Towson College,
Incarnate Word University, New Mexico State University, Denver Metro State, St.
Louis Low Brass Collective, and over 30 middle and high schools. My masterclass
entitled "Listen to Yourself: Deepening Artistry and Technique Through
Improvisation and Ear Training" is designed to help performers of any instrument
and genre to improve their musicianship and artistic concept. I am an
artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company.

brian allen w/tony malaby and tom rainey
w/Malaby (tenor saxophone) and Rainey (drums), Melodies, textures and rhythms
emerge and vanish, with the music weaving effortlessly in a multi-dimensional
spacious swirl between the three like-minded improvisers. "Synapse" was released
in 2006 in conjunction with an extensive tour.

“Their mode of expression is ruggedly free-form, but with a high degree of
collective sensibility.” Nate Chinen New York Times

"The two horn players exhibit a natural ease with multilinear improvisation, whether
creating instantaneous structural gambits for one another or simply blowing full-
speed ahead in tandem" Peter Margasak - Downbeat

"Backbeats surging out of nowhere, spars of skittering melody, rising tenor waves
stopped short by cymbal scrapes and plaintive gulps.” Clifford Allen - Paris
Transatlantic

solo trombone
I have performed solo concerts and tours since 2000. In 2008, I completed an
international solo/masterclass tour of over 20 universities and featured at the 2009
Big 12 Trombone Conference at Texas Tech University.
see a short solo promotional video
see the 2008 tour documentary video

brian allen mexican quartet
with Armando Martin (guitar) Arturo Baez (bass) and Hernan Hecht (drums).
Making their debut in Merida, Yucatan Mexico, this quartet was formed in
conjunction with a grant from Meet the Composer Global Connections for Brian to
collaborate with Mexican musicians on his compositions. Heavily rock oriented, the
quartet creates surreal collages of melodies and rhythms.
see mexican quartet videos on YouTube