In 2012, Ben and guitarist Steve Cardenas were casually talking about their shared admiration for the legendary guitarist and composer Jim Hall. Their discussion soon drifted to the groundbreaking, drummerless trios of the 1950s led by reedist Jimmy Giuffre — groups in which Hall often played a key role. While much of the jazz world was leaning into louder, more expressionistic music on the heels of the big band era that had preceded it, Hall and Giuffre were charting a different course, crafting intimate, spacious music rooted in blues and folk, while also embracing the emerging qualities of free playing. Inspired by this subtle yet powerful approach, Ben and Steve began envisioning a modern-day project in the same spirit. Ben reached out to longtime friend and Jazz Composers Collective collaborator, saxophonist Ted Nash, who immediately loved the concept. A concert was quickly arranged and by the end of the first set, it was clear: the chemistry was undeniable.

Allison, Cardenas & Nash create music that is intimate and highly conversational — a ‘musical trialogue,’ where group interplay is the focus. Together, they weave conversations that are full of subtlety and surprise. The trio takes a collaborative approach to arranging, each bringing their own voice to the table. They've released five acclaimed albums: Quiet Revolution (2018 Sonic Camera), Somewhere Else - West Side Story Songs (2019 Plastic Sax), Healing Power: The Music of Carla Bley (2022 Sunnyside/Sonic Camera), Tell the Birds I Said Hello: The Music of Herbie Nichols (2024, Sonic Camera), and Triological (2026, Sunnyside).

The trio has performed on stages all over the world. Recent highlights include Providencia Jazz Festival (Santiago, Chile), Havana Jazz Festival (Cuba), Barcelona Jazz Festival (Spain), Seixal Jazz Festival (Portugal), Angra Jazz Festival (Azores, Portugal), Litchfield Jazz Festival (Connecticut), to name a few.