In recent years, Tyrone Allen II has proved not only to be one of the most consistently in-demand sidemen on the NYC scene, but a generational talent worldwide. Since 2018, his work has been recognized by publications including The New York Times, JazzTimes, and WBGO. More recently in DownBeat Magazine, he was featured in the DownBeat Critics Poll’s Rising Star Jazz Group category as a member of the Sullivan Fortner Trio, in the Rising Star Bassist category, and Tyrone’s 2026 debut album UPWARD received four stars.
“The first name that keeps coming up is tyrone allen II; a player who has appeared on so many incredible recordings…every record he’s on is elevated by his presence.”
-Matt Merewitz, Fully Altered Media
Before relocating to New York, Tyrone had already established himself as a sought-after sideman and occasional bandleader. His early credits include performances and collaborations with Terri Lyne Carrington, Jerry Bergonzi, Genevieve Artadi, George Garzone, and the late-great Ralph Peterson as a member of Peterson’s Fo’Tet. Although the final recording by this iteration of the Fo’Tet remains unreleased, Peterson’s influence continues to resonate in Tyrone’s music. On UPWARD he honors his mentor with a dedicated composition entitled “The A-Side”.
As a leader, in addition to his own groups he co-led BRAHIM! with Abe Nouri, the current keyboardist for Billie Eilish. While the project is currently inactive, the group’s self-titled release documents an important period in both musicians’ artistic development and longstanding creative partnership.
“Tyrone [comes from] the D.C. area, where bass players have a rich tradition of being really groove-oriented. There’s a certain type of swag that he brings to the music that he plays. It’s really cool. And it works.”
-Sullivan Fortner
Shortly after arriving in New York in 2018, Tyrone quickly gained recognition for his adaptability across a wide range of musical settings. Early performing and recording credits in the city include Jazzmeia Horn, JD Allen, Louis Cole, Bruce Harris, and Rodney Green. During this period, he completed international tours with both Horn and Green. He also appeared on more than half of the tracks on Rodney Green’s album Jackson Miller.
Since 2021, Tyrone’s profile as a sideman has continued to expand. He has appeared on recordings with artists including Tyshawn Sorey, Nicole Glover, Wendy Eisenberg, George Burton, and many others. He has also toured extensively with the Sullivan Fortner Trio, including celebrated engagements at the Village Vanguard. Beyond his work in jazz and creative music, Tyrone currently holds the bass chair for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, the ten-time Tony Award-winning Broadway production. Through an ever-growing discography, he has developed a reputation for accompaniment that is both highly adaptable and deeply personal.
In recent years, Tyrone has also re-emerged as a compelling bandleader and solo performer. In 2024, the debut of his solo project TY.000 (“Ty-Thousand”) was released, expanding his artistic reach beyond traditional formats and into experimental territory. Alongside TY.000, his projects TAiiQ (The Tyrone Allen II Quartet) and Tyrone Allen II and Travelers have become increasingly active across the United States. Later in 2024, Tyrone was named the Tribe for Jazz Artist-in-Residence in Columbus, Ohio, where he presented performances as TY.000, with TAiiQ, and as a sideman with both the Miki Yamanaka and Kazemde George trios.
Tyrone’s debut LP, UPWARD, was released in 2026 to widespread critical acclaim. With a four- star review in DownBeat and support by enthusiastic critics and audiences alike, the album establishes him as an artist capable of capturing the spirit of the present while drawing upon the wisdom and perspective of a seasoned veteran. As a bassist, composer, and producer, Tyrone Allen II continues to expand the possibilities of his instrument while forging a singular artistic path.