On March 12, 2026, bassist Tyrone Allen II celebrated the release of his debut album, UPWARD, with an intimate performance at Close Up in New York City. The album, released on March 13, 2026, features a dynamic ensemble: Aidan Lombard on trumpet, Neta Raanan on tenor saxophone, Lex Korten on piano, Samantha Feliciano on harp, Abe Nouri on live effects, and Kayvon Gordon on drums. (music.apple.com)
UPWARD is a fusion of jazz and R&B, incorporating electro-acoustic elements to explore personal and societal experiences over the past decade. The performance at Close Up showcased the album's innovative sound, blending traditional jazz instrumentation with modern electronic textures. Notably, the set included the track "2020's intro," highlighting the collaborative synergy among the musicians. (music.amazon.com)
This concert marked a significant milestone in Allen's career, reflecting his evolution as a bandleader and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz.