By Kristan Thomas | Off the grid for ten years “The Comeback Tour” featuring Jacksonville’s Jazz artist Bruce V. Allen has been billed as the musical comeback of 2024. Allen, a former pastor and stroke survivor is a two-time Stellar Awards winner and most recently received the Wayman Tisdale Award.
Two years ago, after a preaching and touring hiatus, Allen received an epiphany to produce a comeback album, hence the Comeback Tour and inspirational jazz album! A packed room of supporters and the city’s jazz music lovers attended to see the beginning of a new chapter for the musician.
Held inside the Rhythm Factory in Arlington, Bruce Allen took the staged and flowed jazzy rich melodies, syncopated rhythms and dynamic solos during his comeback album release party. Engaging with the audience, the evening presented groovy tunes coupled with a stroke education Q&A with the audience.
“In this phase of my life, I see myself as blessed beyond the stroke. This new music is a testament to my journey to physical and spiritual restoration,” Allen said.
The program featured medical professionals sharing with the audience crucial signs of stroke, recovery and rehabilitation and the quickness of calling 911. Allen is proud of graduating from the same high school as Miles Davis, performing at Carnegie Hall and sharing the stage with gospel artist Yolanda Adams, Jazz Saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Melba Moore, Boney James and more.
His pastoral experience includes serving for over a decade as Associate Pastor/Minister of Music for the Abyssinia Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL under the pastorate of the late Bishop Tom E. Diamond.
For more visit bvallenmusic.org
