Allen Farnham

Allen Farnham's influence on jazz reaches well beyond his activities as pianist and arranger, extending into his behind-the-scenes production role at the Concord label, where he has overseen more than fifty releases. He began playing piano at age twelve and received his diploma from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio during 1983, a period when he also performed locally with Ernie Krivda. His arrival in New York City in 1984 led to freelance work until he secured a recording contract with Concord two years later. Subsequent projects paired him with vocalists such as Susannah McCorkle, Leon Thomas, Mel Tormé, Mark Murphy, and Eden Atwood. His broad performing résumé further encompassed appearances alongside Roland Vazquez, Special EFX, Arthur Blythe, Junior Cook, Tom Harrell, and Joe Lovano, among numerous others. In addition to producing numerous Concord sessions, Farnham has directed several recordings issued under his own name.