 |
||||
| A drummer since the age of twelve, Allison has never had any doubts about his goal in life: to be a professional drummer. He began drumming in the local school district band programs throughout junior high and high school. “That was an invaluable experience for me, as it taught me to read music and exposed me to many different forms of music,” says Allison. He won several awards throughout the school programs, including two consecutive years being named Most Valuable Player, nominated Most Valuable Player for Yamaha Music Canada, and given the honor to play in a big band lead by trumpet great Randy Brecker. Allison continued his studies following school with lessons from Canadian greats Paul Delong and Rick Gratton, as well as renowned Fredericton, New Brunswick teacher George “Buddy” Pennington. Armed with an extensive drumming education, he began to record and perform live with several acts, ,ranging from country to jazz, as well as pop and blues. “I always felt a drummer should be able to handle many different styles and play them convincingly.” Allison's recording resume certainly reflects his wide range of talent, with more than 47 recordings, ranging from country to hard rock and blues, as well as pop, traditional and gospel. Allison has a love of performing live. He has made several television and live radio performances and has been blessed to perform with some of Canada's legends in music and up and comers. Some of Allison's favorites include performances with blues great Dutch Mason, Roger House and Grammy winner Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He has also played with country artist Julian Austin and performed extensively with the Boyer Band in support of their East Coast Music Award nominated album, “Connected”. His most recent project is acting as drummer for the new country artist Kevin Chase, supporting two albums and his upcoming summer tour schedule. Allison has also been recording with Kevin - along with Melissa Hunt - a new Canadian country star on the rise, and also recording with Canadian Idol finalist, Dee Hernandez . Allison also takes great enjoyment in teaching up to 30 students a week at Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton and at Atlantica Center for the Arts in Saint John, New Brunswick. Allison is also the house drummer for Atlantica Studios in Saint John, New Brunswick. "It's a lot of hard work and networking but it's worth it. It's what I love to do. I feel blessed to be able to work in the field that I want. Not everybody gets the chance to do that.” ~Allison Hovey |
||||