Trombonist Melba Liston (1926–1999) was the first woman to be regularly featured as a player, composer, and arranger in a major jazz orchestra. Her work with the bands of Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Quincy Jones marked a significant breakthrough in gender representation within large ensembles. Beyond her performing career, Liston became a highly sought-after composer and arranger, contributing sophisticated, enduring works to the jazz repertoire.

Her groundbreaking work helped establish a lasting presence for women in jazz performance, orchestration and composition, contributing to the evolving landscape in which artists such as Maria Schneider, Ingrid Jensen, Camille Thurman, Geri Allen, Alexa Tarantino, and many others have built significant and influential careers.

This presentation and concert, led by bassist Allison Lee, will examine both the obstacles she confronted and the musical legacy she established.

Allison Lee – bass/musical director
Grace Rock – trombone
Maxwell Holmes – piano
Oscar Evely – drums

Dr. Tammy Kernodle is serving as academic consultant for this series. 

About Allison Lee:

Allison Lee is a bassist from Vancouver, BC. She has performed at various music festivals, including the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and MusicFest Canada. When she isn’t performing or practicing, Lee works as a marketing coordinator for Vancouver-based record label Rhea Records (co-founded by Jodi Proznick) and as a graphic designer for performing jazz artists. Lee is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at the Juilliard School.

This series is made possible, in part, with funding from the Louis Armstrong Education Foundation.