Career Highlights:
• 2003 Juno Nominee, best vocal jazz album, Joani Taylor and Bob Murphy
• 1989 Juno Award winner, best jazz album  (Hugh Fraser Quintet, "Looking Up")
• 1987 Laureate, CBC-Alcan Jazz Competition Montreal Jazz Festival
• performances with Ed Bickert, Johnny Hartman, Lenny Breau, Teddy Wilson, all world renowed jazz musicians
• 1991 Canada Council Jury member for "B" grant selection

• Buff plays and endorses Istanbul Agop cymbals

"The term sensitivity clearly belongs to every aspect of this album, from the approach of the compositions to the respective listening of each instrumentalist as well as the playing of each instrument. This particularly includes the exceptional finesse, miraculous cymbal tone ambience, and magical mood lighting of Buff Allen, who for being self effacing, may also be one of the most brilliant and powerful drummers and musicians in this idiom due to his exceptional sound perception, listening ability, musicianship, wealthy palette and his range, rather than volume. His limitless array of textures, articulations and colors make him totally unique at his instrument." -- Dr. Henri-Paul Sicsic, Pianist, Professor of Piano, University of Toronto;  March, 2007.

"...magnificent jazz drummer..."  -- Alex Varty, Georgia Straight, 11/28/03

"A compelling but unobtrusive drive..." -- Globe and Mail

Recordings:
• Albums with: Bob Murphy and Joani Taylor, Hugh Fraser Quintet, Pat Coleman, Veji Big Band, Johnny Hartman (his last album), Kathryn Moses, Ron Allen, June Katz, Almeta Speaks, Mr. Dressup, the late Kathy Kidd, Art & Lee Ellefson, Norman Foote, Roger Whittaker.
• numerous film scores, jingles, and radio shows (Canada & England)
• television work with Ed Bickert, Moe Koffman, Mr.Dressup, Bob McLean Show (Toronto), Valdy & Gary Fjellgaard, all of the McGyver soundtracks that have been recorded in Vancouver, The Black Stallion, Neon Rider, Scene of the Crime, two years on Lonesome Dove, one season on the soundtracks of These Arms of Mine (2000)and some episodes of Ed Eddy & Ed (composed by Patric Caird), and a variety of charity telethons (house band)

•early 80's recording with Daniel Lanois

Jazz Work:
• 8 years in Toronto with artists such as Ed Bickert, the late Moe Koffman, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto, Eugene Amaro, the late Hagood Hardy, Kathryn Moses, Peter Appleyard, Phil Nimmons, Don Thompson, and visiting artists such as Hank Jones,Teddy Wilson, Lenny Breau, Johnny Guenieri, Red Norvo,Johnny Hartman, Maxine Sullivan


• 20 years back in Vancouver with artists such as Diana Krall, Paul Horn, Pat Coleman, Sal Ferreras, Oliver Gannon, Fraser Mcpherson, Ron Johnston, Tom Banks, Hugh Fraser, Kathy Kidd, Veji, Drum Heat,and visiting artists such as Benny Wallace, Joanne Brackeen, Kenny Wheeler, Chuck Israels, Barry Harris, Mose Allison, Carol Welsman, Andy LaVerne

•Buff is currently playing with the Pat Coleman Trio/Quartet (with bassist Ken Lister and saxophonist Monik Nordine) as well as the Bob Murphy Trio and B3.

Popular Work:
• Concert tours with Sharon, Lois & Bram, Shirley Eikhard, the late Hagood Hardy, Ann Mortifee, Ken Hamm, Time to Sing (gospel), Norman Foote, Howie Mandell

Dance:

Ballet BC:  "Streecar Named Desire," choreographed by John Alleyne, with original score composed by Tobin Stokes; April, 2006
Theatre:
•Peter Pan, Chorus Line, and local Arts Club productions--Only in B.C., Only in Vancouver, Time to Sing, Little Shop of Horrors, Six Women Want To Know, Blues in the Night, Reflections on Crooked Walking, Threepenny Opera, Jacque Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

Jazz Festival Participation:

• Montreal (1986, 1987, 1988), Vancouver (1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996),Edmonton (1981, 1986,1991), Dublin (1988), Brusells (1988),Middlbourg,Holland (1988), Glasgow (1988)

Teaching:

• drum instructor at Malaspina College, Nanaimo, 1984-95
• University of Victoria Summer Jazz Workshop instructor, 1995 & 2003
• Courtney Youth Music Camp, substitute instructor
• drum clinic - Koblenz, Germany (1987)
• drum instructor at Grant McKewan College, Edmonton (1973)
•Nanaimo Summer Jazz Workshop, 1993-2004
•Kelowna Summer Jazz Workshop, 1995



Studies:
• drum master classes with Marvin "Smitty " Smith, 1987
• theory and harmony with the late Gordon Delamont and the late Darwyn Aitken
• currently studying at the University of British Columbia


Buff Allen has had forty-one years of professional playing experience.