The unfortunate fact of the matter is that, for a jazz musician coming up in the District, there’s only so far one can go. While this city boasts some world class musicians, most seeking national or international recognition must leave, with the obvious destination being New York, still the world’s jazz capital. Our city has lost its fair share of musicians to the Big Apple, but local jazz fans are quick to welcome our homegrown talent, even if for a brief visit.

Drummer Allison Miller is one such musician, and she has done D.C. proud. Coming up in the area, she cut her teeth with local greats like bassist Keter Betts and guitarist Charlie Byrd. After moving to New York, Miller’s career took off. She has played with a number of jazz greats, and has also carved out a niche playing behind singer-songwriters, including Norah Jones, Ani DiFranco, and Natalie Merchant. Most recently, Miller has toured extensively with up-and-comer Brandi Carlile.

All of this makes for an impressive range of music, to say the least.

“Playing different styles has always come naturally to me,” said Miller during a recent interview with DCist. “Technically there are some differences, but I feel like I’ve been doing it long enough that I can bring my own voice to any style that I play.”