This debut album recently released on independent label Audacious Records draws on various influences including Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Kurt Rosenwinkel. The group play in a dynamic and contemporary way, with interplay, improvisation and energy. Elements of rock, folk and world music mix with contemporary jazz with a grooving and world class band. “Great playing…beautiful…a real guitar player” Pat Martino “An assertive debut.. Allard dodges any jazz-bluesy rock clichés on his electric guitar with a bold, rounded sound and patiently-shaped sense of melodic direction…the swarthy Blue Train influenced Brandon Allen and pianist Ross Stanley’s full-blooded solos are also right on the money.” Jazzwise “Energetic guitar-led modern jazz originals from fine player Allard, who works with Jacqui Dankworth and Gwyneth Herbert, and is joined by Aussie sax firebrand Allen and a great rhythm section. Expect Radiohead-style flourishes and Metheny-ish melodies wrapped in a hip approach to modern jazz.” Time Out “This amazing guitarist, who has played in some amazing venues across the country, comes to the jazz cafe to launch his new album 'Open Spaces' on Audacious records, tonight.” Spoonfed Chris Allard has performed at The Royal Festival Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, Edinburgh Festival, Nuremberg festival, Hackney Empire, Montreux Jazz Festival, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Barbican Centre and many other venues in the UK, around Europe and the world. He has made many TV and Radio appearances, including playing live on the Paul O’Grady Show and Children in Need with Jacqui Dankworth, and Friday Night is Music Night with Gwyneth Herbert and the BBC Concert Orchestra live on BBC Radio Two. August 2009 was featured guest on Solar Radio, Los Angeles CA, talking about new album Open Spaces and playing live in the studio. He has performed with Jacqui Dankworth, Dave O Higgins, John Helliwell (Supertramp), Michael Ball, Julian Joseph, Cleo Laine, Mark Heart (Crowded House), Gwyneth Herbert, Jamie Cullum, Carleen Anderson (James Brown) amongst others.