Ben Allison (born November 17, 1966, in New Haven, Connecticut) is an American bassist, composer, recording artist, bandleader, educator and activist. He has recorded 11 albums as a leader. In addition to his work as a performer, he co-founded the non-profit Jazz Composers Collective and served as its Artistic Director for 12 years. Allison is an adjunct professor at New School University and serves on the board of the NY chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, where he chairs the Advocacy Committee and serves as Vice President.