Alison Brown Sincoff is a renowned American banjo player, composer, and producer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 7, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut, Alison grew up in Southern California, where she developed a passion for music at a young age. Her parents were both music lovers, and her father played the guitar, which inspired her to take up the banjo. Alison's musical journey began when she was just eight years old, and she started taking banjo lessons from a local teacher. She quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began performing at local events and festivals. By the time she was in high school, Alison was already an accomplished banjo player and had won several awards for her performances. After completing high school, Alison attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a degree in history. However, her love for music never waned, and she continued to play the banjo and perform at various venues. In 1980, she joined the band "The Good Ol' Persons," which was a popular bluegrass band at the time. Alison's unique style of playing the banjo quickly caught the attention of the music industry, and she soon became a sought-after session musician. In 1990, Alison released her debut album, "Simple Pleasures," which was a critical and commercial success. The album showcased her exceptional banjo playing skills and her ability to blend different genres of music, including jazz, folk, and bluegrass. The album earned Alison her first Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. Over the years, Alison has released several albums, including "Twilight Motel," "Fair Weather," "Stolen Moments," and "The Company You Keep." Her music has been praised for its innovative blend of different genres and its ability to push the boundaries of traditional banjo music. Alison has also collaborated with several other musicians, including Bela Fleck, Vince Gill, and Mary Chapin Carpenter. In addition to her successful music career, Alison has also made significant contributions to the world of classical music. In 2001, she founded the record label Compass Records, which has become one of the most respected independent labels in the industry. The label has released albums by several classical musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O'Connor. Alison's love for classical music also led her to pursue a master's degree in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles. She used her business acumen to help grow Compass Records and establish it as a leading label in the industry. In 2007, Alison released her first classical album, "The Company You Keep," which featured her banjo playing alongside a string quartet. The album was a critical success and earned Alison her second Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album. The album showcased Alison's ability to blend different genres of music and her unique approach to playing the banjo. In addition to her successful music career, Alison has also been recognized for her contributions to the music industry. She has won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2001 for her song "Leaving Cottondale." She has also been inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame and has received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the California Banjo Extravaganza.

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