Born in New Jersey, Alan began studying piano at the age of seven, playing both classical and jazz. He attended Indiana University and received his Bachelors Degree in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory. His teachers at the time were Jaki Byard, Thad Jones, George Russell, David Baker and Gunther Schuller. While performing a concert at Carnegie Hall, Alan met the legendary drummer Tony Williams and he was asked to join The New Tony Williams Lifetime band along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth.
After recording two Lifetime albums for Columbia Records, Alan relocated to Los Angeles and broadened his career, playing with more rock and pop artists. First, he joined Eddie Money's band. Then he garnered a coveted spot in Bob Dylan's band and ultimately joined the band Santana. Some of his other album and touring credits include Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Ry Cooder, John Fogerty, Aretha Franklin, Sammy Hagar, Al Jarreau, Elton John, Queen Latifa, Graham Nash, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, The Temptations and Joe Walsh.
In the late '80s, Alan teamed up with guitarist Dann Huff to form the rock band Giant. Their debut recording Last of The Runaways on A&M Records contained several songs written by Alan, including the hit single "I'll See You In My Dreams."
Alan has also worked on motion picture soundtracks with composers John Williams, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith, Henry Mancini and Maurice Jarre. He is recognized as the co-composer of the "CBS Evening News Theme," which has been airing nightly since 1987. Also, Alan composed the soundtrack for Disney's hit movie The Waterboy starring Adam Sandler.
Alan has played and recorded with the likes of Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, James Moody, Gary Peacock, Gary Bartz, Eddie Daniels, Dave Weckl, Tom Scott, Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, Reggie Workman, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sam Rivers, Sheila Jordan, Joe Williams, Ivan Lins, Frank Foster, Alphonso Johnson, Narada Michael Walden, Les McCann, Stan Kenton and Don Ellis.
Together with legendary drummer Peter Erskine, Alan formed a trio that released Live At Rocco and Badlands on the Fuzzy Music label. Both recordings have received critical acclaim. Body and Soul, a trio recording of Alan's with Darek Oles, bass, and Peter Erskine, drums, followed as a Japanese release on the VideoArts label. Alan's latest for the Cryptogramophone label is titled My New Old Friend. This recording reached #15 on the National Jazz Airplay charts and was highly praised.
In 2006, Alan rejoined with former Tony Williams Lifetime band mate Allan Holdsworth and formed a quartet featuring Jimmy Haslip and Chad Wackerman.
Alan is also known for his contribution to jazz education. He wrote The Diminished Cycle, and he is currently an Assistant Professor in Jazz Studies at The University of Southern California Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles.
