We were lucky to catch up with G. Thomas Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.
G. Thomas , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Working on my third album, Dream Shades, has been a deeply meaningful project. It invites listeners into a dreamlike universe where it’s okay to be your unique self and to embrace the many shades of your journey. Life is fluid—sometimes beautiful, sometimes perilous—and this project captures that movement through the lens of astrology and mythology, while also pulling from my classical background to shape its sonic landscapes; set to release summer 2025.
It arrives on the heels of my latest release, Love Affair: Serenades of the Heart and my self-titled debut album in 2020, marking another chapter in my continued exploration of sound, story, and soul within the jazz idiom.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a native of Danville, VA, my musical journey began in sacred music and transitioned to classical music during my undergraduate studies at Morgan State University. However, I truly found my voice by exploring the freedom of jazz and contemporary styles in the vibrant Chicago jam scene. The evolution of Little Jimmy Scott—whose centennial is being celebrated this year—mirrors how my career has been shaped: embracing vocal qualities that defy traditional classifications and challenge conventional norms within the jazz idiom. I was honored to become the first male winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, a milestone that helped solidify my place in the industry.
From the acoustic stage to headlining top jazz venues and festivals as bandleader of the G. Thomas Allen Quintet, it’s been an extraordinary journey witnessing the evolution of my sound. Inspired by artists like Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, and Philip Bailey, I honor tradition while forging something new.
Beyond performance, I have a deep passion for teaching. I am the founder of The AndroVox Method, a vocal pedagogy system that maps resonance through a systematic, gender-neutral framework for the contemporary singer. It emphasizes density shifts—perceived acoustic energy—across the vocal spectrum and empowers singers to align resonance with artistic intent.
I’ve served on the vocal faculties of Columbia College Chicago, Carthage College, and Howard University, and was recently appointed Associate Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music.
At the heart of my work is a commitment to vocal freedom: to sound like yourself, speak your truth, and continually evolve.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I used to believe that having a Plan B meant doubting your Plan A. Performing was always my primary goal, and teaching initially felt like a secondary path. But over time, I’ve come to realize that both can carry equal weight and impact. Teaching isn’t just a fallback—it’s a powerful extension of my artistry. It allows me to share, inspire, and give back, all while staying deeply connected to the craft.
Both performing and teaching serve the same mission: to connect, to elevate, and to leave something meaningful behind.
During the COVID pandemic, when all of my gigs were canceled, I was still able to teach remotely. That not only provided financial stability but also fulfilled my desire to stay musically engaged. I found innovative ways to connect through virtual performances, interviews, and podcasts.
In the post-pandemic era, this shift became a pivotal part of my journey. It served as a launching pad for new business ventures, including formally establishing the band as a business entity. Now, when booking performances, I prioritize incorporating a teaching component—whether through guest lectures, masterclasses, or workshops.
Having a Plan B doesn’t mean abandoning Plan A. It means making space for different facets of your artistry—giving them purpose rather than ranking them in importance.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society must recognize that artists are essential—they give voice to the people, uplift communities, and inspire change. But this work requires immense emotional and creative labor, and often the support artists receive doesn’t reflect the value they provide. We can all play a part in sustaining the arts by finding ways to support artists in our local communities: donate to arts organizations, attend performances, offer resources like housing, food, or transportation, and advocate for policies that fund and protect creative work. Supporting artists means investing in the soul of our society. I too as an artist hold this same standard, in supporting other art forms that help to make up the spectrum of Fine Arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gthomasallenmusic.com
- Instagram: sirthomasallen
Image Credits
Main photo, you can give image credit to:
Jason McCoy Photography