Known as tenor sax legend Von Freeman's guitarist for the past nine years, Mike Allemana is one of the most respected musicians in Chicago and for good reason. At 37 years of age he has developed a mastery of the guitar that has endeared him to some of the finest players and singers in jazz. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Mike became interested in jazz at age 12 after hearing George Benson. In high school he decided to pursue music and enrolled at Northern Illinois University. After graduating in 1991 and spending two years playing in Cincinnati, Ohio, he returned to Chicago where he has become an important guitarist on the jazz scene.

Soon after returning to Chicago, Mike began to make music with some of the most renowned local artists . His credits include playing for many years with organ great Charles Earland, and legendary tenor saxophonists Ron Dewar, Lin Halliday, and most notably the amazing Von Freeman. Mike can be heard on Von Freeman's 2002 release "The Improvisor" on Premonition Records. He has also made appearances with organ master Lonnie Smith, recorded with singer Bobby Caldwell, and released his own CD on the TuConn label, "The Mike Allemana Organ Trio," with Dan Trudell on organ and Mike Schlick on drums, which received three and a half stars from Down Beat magazine (April 2001). Mike can also be heard with the Model Citizens, a local big band lead by pianist/composer Brian O'hern where Mike is has been a featured soloist and arranger for the past 10 years.

There are many interesting projects that Mike is currently involved in.  His latest group, a quartet with drummer Ted Sirota, saxophonist Geof Bradfield, and bassist Matt Ferguson, plays mostly original music written by Mike and Geof. Their latest recording,"Inner Rhythm," is now available.  He is also involved in a guitar/ vocal duo with singer Gingi Lahera. Mike and Gingi have just released their latest CD "The Night's Womb and the Morning Sun,"  a unique collection of American and Brazilian songs.  Another project to look out for is the Steve Gibons Gypsy Rhythm Project.  Steve, an accomplished violinist,  has put together an eccletic group of musicians that plays and improvises folk music from Eastern Europe.  

(photo by Michael Jackson)