Allison Hovey

“I was born to play drums.” One look at his career will confirm this beyond a doubt.

A drummer since the age of twelve, he has never had any doubts about his goal in life: to be a professional drummer.

He began drumming in the local school district band programs throughout juniorhigh and high school. “That was an invaluable experience for me as it taught me to read music and exposed me to many different forms of music.” He won several awards throughout the school programs, including two consecutive years being named most valuable player, nominated most valuable player for Yamaha Music Canada and given the honor to play in a big band lead by trumpet great Randy Brecker.

Allison continued his studies following school with lessons from Canadian greats Paul

Delong and Rick Gratton, as well as renowned Fredericton, New Brunswick teacher George “Buddy” Pennington. Armed with an extensive drumming education, he began to record and perform live with several acts ranging from country to jazz. “I always felt a drummer should be able to handle many different styles and play them convincingly.” Allison’s recording resume certainly reflects his wide range of talent with more than 20 recordings ranging from country to hard rock, blues as well as pop, traditional and gospel. 

Allison has a love of performing live. He has made several television and live radio performances and has been blessed to perform with some of Canada’s legends in music and up and comers. Some of Allison’s favorites include performances with blues great Dutch Mason, Roger House and Grammy winner Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He has also played with country artist Julian Austin and performed extensively with the Boyer Band in support of their East Coast Music Award nominated album, “Connected”. His most recent project is acting as drummer and band leader for the new country act, Steve Waylon and Rebel Ridge.  They are embarking on a tour of Canada as well as Europe in early 2007 after a successful "New Artist Showcase" at the Canadian Country Music Awards.  Allison is featured on their debut single "No Deposit, No Return", currently released throughout Canada, Europe and Australia. 

Allison also takes great enjoyment in teaching up to twenty students a week at Musiplex in Fredericton, New Brunswick. “I feel blessed to be able to work in the field that I want. Not everybody gets the chance to do that.”

Allison Hovey
Drummer,Teacher,Author