Shane Allessio is a New York–based composer and arranger leading a composer-driven modern big band project focused on original music and new arrangements.
The music is a natural continuation of the ideas accumulated throughout a career of jazz performance, but also spanning classical orchestras, funk bands, metal bands, blues bands, balkan bands and country bands. The work explores the space between structured composition, improvisation and controlled chaos, balancing dense harmonic writing with strong melodic material and a groove-based rhythmic foundation. Allessio’s music aims to be intellectually rigorous while remaining physically engaging — music that rewards deep listening but still makes feet tap and leaves you walking out the door humming the melodies.
The project sits in the contemporary jazz lineage of composer-led ensembles such as Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society and Steven Feifke’s Big Band, with an emphasis on form, sound design, and ensemble identity.
🎼 The Music
Entirely original compositions and new arrangements
Through-composed forms with improvisational spaces
Modern harmonic language, swinging charts along with mixed meters, and groove-forward writing
Clear ensemble roles and a unified sound concept
The band is flexible in size depending on venue and budget, ranging from large ensemble (17 players) to a condensed nonet that retains the core compositional identity.
🎷 Ensemble
Composer-led project
NYC-based musicians active in the contemporary jazz scene
Adaptable instrumentation for clubs, presenters, and halls
🏛️ Ideal Venues
Jazz clubs with strong listening audiences
Presenter-led rooms and curated series
Small halls and cultural institutions
Festivals
📍 Based in
New York City
Touring within the Northeast / Mid-Atlantic corridor
📩 Contact
allessiomusic@gmail.com