Wielding a warm, pliable but cutting tone, Toronto-based alto saxophonist Allison Au is a rising force as an improviser, composer, and bandleader. Since assembling her quartet a decade ago she's steadily gained recognition with welcoming, interactive group sound inspired by post-bop idioms, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, pop music forms, and R&B cadences. She's making her SFJAZZ debut in the midst of a prolonged winning streak, including scholarships for three consecutive artist residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Au's newest album, Wander Wonder, is a showcase for her master's touch as a composer, lilting seamlessly between advanced hard bop and lyrical impressionism.