“[Allen] defied classification while steadfastly affirming her roots in the hard-bop tradition of her native Detroit … In addition to her varied and commanding work as a leader [of her own ensemble], Allen made her mark as a venturesome improviser on notable albums with the saxophonist-composers Ornette Coleman, Oliver Lake, Steve Coleman and Charles Lloyd; drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr.; bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Paul Motian; and many others.”