The Bob Allen Trio has been entertaining Central Ohio audiences for more
than 35 years. Their versatility, professionalism, and constant striving
for excellence are among the traits which make this group so popular--not
just with local fans, but throughout the United States and Canada. For the
enjoyment of all these fans, eight albums have been released over the years.
the most recent of these is: the CD: My Favorite Things.
The trio is perhaps most well-known for their twenty-year engagement at the
Christopher Inn in Columbus, Ohio. They have performed
with symphony orchestras, stage bands, and other ensembles and periodically
participate in clinics and workshops.
Bob Allen (Prahin) spent his formative years in Cleveland, where he began
studying piano at the age of six. He obtained a bachelor's degree in piano
and composition from Capital University in Columbus. His arrangements encompass a
wide range of musical idioms, from well-known standards to original compositions.
He is noted for the classical touches which frequently adorn his work. Currently,
some of his time is devoted to teaching piano improvisation and theory.
Support from sidemen is essential in a group such as this, and Bob Allen
certainly has selected his men well. Each member of the group contributes to a unique
listening experience.
Roger Hines, bassist, was born in Columbus Ohio and has logged many miles on
the road. during his thirty-year career as a musician. Hines toured as
musical director for Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur.
He also teamed up with Ms. Schuur as artist in residence and educational clinician
at many colleges and other educational venues throughout the U.S.
and abroad. Roger has also toured and recorded with legendary singer Ray Charles.
This close relationship with "The Genius of Soul" continued until Ray's death in
2004. Hines has also performed with many other well-known artists and ensembles.
Roger received his B. M. in theory/composition and M. A. in string Pedagogy from
the Ohio State University school of music where he also taught bass
as a jazz studies faculty member for over 12 years.
Hines has performed at well known venues such as the Blue Note in New York,
Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo; Blues Alley in Washington, D.C.; Carnegie
Hall; the Hollywood Bowl; Jazz Alley in Seattle; the Kennedy Center; Ronnie Scott's
in London; and Yoshi's in San Francisco. He also performed
at the White House for President Clinton.
percussionist Joe Ong studied at Bowling Green State University and
Capital University, and lectures at Ohio State University in addition to his performances.
He has toured the United States and Europe in the course of his career, and founded
a locally-popular group (Bop du Fway) which
specializes in the "Cool School" jazz sounds of the '50's. Joe's skill on the drums
and vibraphone is allowing further breadth of the already vast repertoire of this
group.
The Bob Allen Trio can currently be found performing at
Hyde Park Grill,
1615 Old Henderson Road, in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday evenings
from 8:00-11:30 P.M.
Listen to an interview with Bob Allen from KFAI in Minneapolis. (Requires Real Player)
A number of recordings have been made over the years. See the
discography with audio clips
Click here to order CD's or join the mailing list.