Harry Allen Meets The John Pizzarelli Trio
John D Weber | Fort Wayne, IN United States | 07/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just picked this up on a whim as I had no idea who Harry Allen was. I was really floored. I'm a fan of old standards and this album covers some great ones. Allen swings hard, has great technique and plays in a style that reminds you of a hybrid between Zoot Sims and Stan Getz. He's great! Refreshing to hear someone heading the opposite direction of all the contemporary players from a sound and style standpoint."
Harry - He's not Coltrane, and that's fine by me...
John Langbein | 12/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To say I am without bias would be a lie, but, personal feelings aside, Harry has shown why he is truly one of the great Tenor Saxaphone musicians of all time. Teaming with fellow New Jerseyans John and Martin Pizzarelli (and of course, the talented pianist Ray Kennedy), these standards (and songs that may be future standards) have been redefined. John's sense of rhythm (using his guitar for rhythm instead of drums) blended with Harry's smooth and mellow sound create an absolutely enjoyable listening experience. From the energy filled redition of "Pennies from Heaven" to the classic balad "Body and Soul", this album shows the range of this groups talents. There is little I think this team can't do together."If you want to make it in this buisness, you need to sound like Coltrane!" someone once advised him. I, for one, am glad he ignored that advice."
His best, my favorite
Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 02/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my favorite of Harry Allen's many CDs, and although most of his work is excellent, I think this recording is his best. Whether the tune is taken up-tempo as in "I want to be happy" or "Limehouse blues," or it's a slow ballad as with "Early autumn," Allen and Pizzarelli produce marvelous renditions. Harry Allen is one of the finest tenormen playing today in the "mainstream" tradition--a la Scott Hamilton. Highly recommended."