Queens native Allan Mednard is one of a new breed of New York jazz drummers, but he talks and thinks like one of the old guard. He has studied, paid his dues, and is building a reputation of responsibility and musicality. You can hear him playing and recording with jazz harpist Brandee Younger, bassist Ben Allison, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, bassist Linda Oh, pianists Julian Shore, Simon Linnert, Glenn Zaleski, and many others. Allan’s drumming is different enough that it stands out, while not being self-indulgent or ego centric. He is not a chops meister, nor is he a minimalist. He has a distinct voice on the drums, and isn’t that what it’s all about? His Haitian roots give his drumming a unique foundation, but his creativity behind the set is implores us to listen. Photo by Erin Patrice O’Brien MD: As a drummer who was brought up […]

January 2026 Issue