Texas educator earns Grammy nomination for his saxophone contributions to album [Video]

TYLER, Texas — A UT Tyler adjunct instructor has earned recognition for his contributions to a Grammy-nominated album. 

Dr. Ricardo “Rico” Allen II, a UT Tyler adjunct instructor of saxophone and jazz studies, and the members of his saxophone quartet, Lotus, played saxophone for Broadway star Aaron Lazar’s “Impossible Dream.” The album is nominated in the best traditional pop album category.

It features collaborations with Broadway stars including Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Leslie Odom Jr. and Kristin Chenoweth.

“Receiving this Grammy-affiliate nomination was something that I would have never thought possible, but it is truly a dream come true,” Allen said. “I am so very thankful to Christina Giacona for asking me and my saxophone quartet to play on Aaron Lazar’s wonderful album.”