Jackie Allen

is an American jazz vocalist, composer, and educator. She has released over a dozen records as a leader for labels such as Blue Note Records, Naxos Records, A440 Music Group, and Avant Bass. Influenced by jazz, folk, and pop singers, Allen is perhaps best known for interpretations classic jazz ballads ("bringing out the beauty of the lyrics" -Scott Yannow, All Music Guide) and transformation of contemporary tunes ("her gift with more pop-oriented material is utterly distinctive and even innovative, since there isn't another singer out there who phrases like her" -Thom Jurek, All Music Guide).


Newly released, The Nebraska Project, features original musical portraits of historic Nebraska artists - VERY limited pressing.


Available now in the Jackie Allen Store!




A Romantic Allen with Jackie Allen - Live at the Rococo
Now on PBS - check your local listings.

Jackie Allen with special guest Bob Sheppard and her Chicago recording band.

  • “A Romantic Evening with Jackie Allen—Live at the Rococo is an album that has all the intimacy, groove, and taste that not only lives up to its billing, but also generates that undefinable "You Are There" (or should have been) appeal. Allen and crew brilliantly perform 10 selections… She's is a confident singer, a risk-taking lyric interpreter who shades and caresses lines—ones which we have heard innumerable times— with intricacy, sincerity and "sleight of heart." This is a superb, highly-engaged team of Kings framing an Ace.” (Nicholas Mondello, All About Jazz)

  • “Allen’s vocal sound is smokily seductive, her interpretation of the lyrics thorough, and her phrasing exceptional…Excellent in all respects, this album should appeal to all who love jazz singing at its best.” (Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal U.K.)
Rose Fingered Dawn Final Coverv2
Links for My Rose Fingered Dawn
available-on-itunes-logo Amazon logo



Reviews for My Rose Fingered Dawn


  • Polished virtuosity… a shimmering paradigm of stylish and sophisticated jazz singing.
    (John McDonough, Downbeat Magazine)

  • Another triumph for Allen!
    Allen has always been a chameleonic talent, coloring her voice to become one with the tune. On the opening title track, a serpentine travelogue that draws upon both a voyage through Morocco and The Odyssey, Allen channels the dark exoticism of Eartha Kitt, before diving deep into Big Easy blues for the slithery “NOLA Love Song.” She defines “Steal the Night,” a eulogy to two lost friends inspired by Dylan Thomas, with hymn-like tenderness underscored by the subtlest of otherworldly chills. Conversely, she’s all funky pluck on “Bel Air BBQ,” a sizzling, bop-lined salute to Kansas City. (Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes)

  • High energy creativity… One of the best albums you will ever hear.
    (Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Review)

  • Rose Fingered Dawn is a beautiful creative masterpiece.
    (Paula Edelstein, Sounds of Timeless Jazz)

  • Vocalist Jackie Allen reveals a great knowledge about nuance and rhythm… She mixes up deliveries like a veteran closer in the 9th.
    (George Harris, JazzWeekly)

  • Cutting edge…   (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

  • Jackie gives intelligent and beautifully nuanced readings of the lyrics. Lovely music that will bring lasting pleasure.   (Bruce Crowther, Jazz Mostly)

  • Allen’s alluring voice, possessing a natural vibrato, glimmers. She conveys lyrics and sentiments with effortless aplomb and exquisite timing. (Kevin Lynch, Shepherd Express)

  • Allen’s vocals cradle the lyrics gingerly. Rose Fingered Dawn is a culmination of her influences and experiences, favoring songs that move audiences emotionally and ultimately, profoundly. (Susan Francis, BlogCritics)

  • While so many jazz vocalists with her range of gifts and stylistic leanings hone in on a single trademark vibe, veteran Chicagoan Jackie Allen is delightfully all over the map on this set of dynamic originals composed by her husband, bassist Hans Sturm. Most fascinating, her vocal dynamics artfully move from emotionally raw and guttural to soaring with scat and back down to exquisite, gossamer storytelling, sometimes with a literal whisper.
    (Jonathan Widran, Music Connection Magazine)

My Fav Color
Links for My Favorite Color
available-on-itunes-logo Amazon logo

Reviews for My Favorite Color


  • Top 10 Playlist - USA Today

  • Top 10 Jazz Vocal CD - Amazon

  • The voice is as spellbinding as ever.   (Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times)

  • My Favorite Color is stunning! 5 stars.  (Brent Black, Bop-N-Jazz)

  • Jackie Allen makes the kind of albums that every jazz vocalist should be making.  
    (Paul Abella, Chicago Jazz Magazine)

  • She is a remarkable storyteller, with a soulful delivery, and an eclectic approach to the music. Highly recommended.  (Thomas Cunniffe, Jazz History Online)

  • This is a good-to-be-alive set that shimmers, bubbles, and spreads the good vibes from a bottomless well.  (Chris Spector, Midwest Record)

  • There are so many jazz singers out there, it’s always good to pay attention to the few who always do things just a wee bit differently. (Jeff Simon, Buffalo News)

  • Her elastic phrasing and warm texture compares to Tony Bennett at his best, a mature artistic interpreter.  (Kevin Lynch, No Depression)