Glasgow based saxophonist Allan Glen was born in 1984. An honours graduate of the BA Applied Music course at the University of Strathclyde, Allan was a member of the Strathclyde Jazz Orchestra, twice winners of the BBC Big Band of the Year contest during his time there. Allan was also a member of the Strathclyde Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing lead tenor for four years until his departure from the band in December 2008.
Although primarily a tenor saxophonist, Allan also plays soprano and alto saxophones, flute, alto flute, piccolo, clarinet, bass clarinet and EWI (Electric Wind Instrument).
In 2006, Allan received one of Berklee College of Music's prestigious scholarships during their World Scholarship tour. During his time in Berklee, he had the chance to play in some of the best student ensembles and faculty groups, going on to receive the Dean's List Award in 2007.
Over the years he has had the chance to study with many great teachers including Stewart Forbes and Bobby Wishart at Strathclyde University; Dino Govoni, Ralph Peterson, Jr., Shannon LeClaire, Eric Byers, Mitch Seidman & Bill Sicim at Berklee College of Music; and privately with Bob Mintzer and Hal Crook.
Allan currently leads his own quartet featuring guitarist Malcolm MacFarlane, bassist Mario Caribé and drummer Scott Mackay. As a sideman Allan regularly performs with the Scott Walker Quintet and the Scottish Composers Jazz Ensemble. He has also worked with Barry Forgie, conductor of the BBC Big Band.
As an educator Allan is a member of the faculty at The Music Box at Stevenson College, Edinburgh and the BA Applied Music Course at the University of Strathclyde. He also teaches woodwinds for Inverclyde Councils and was the Assistant Musical Director of the SYJO Jazz School from 2007 until 2009.
In July of 2008 Allan was made a Director of the Scottish Composers Jazz Ensemble.
Allan currently studies with London based saxophonist Dave O'Higgins.
'A very impressive saxophonist... creative and unique' - Dino Govoni, Assistant Professor of Woodwinds (Berklee College of Music)
'A gifted and dedicated saxophonist' - Gerry Rossi, Course Director, BA Applied Music (University of Strathclyde)
