Search - John Allred :: In the Beginning

This is one incredible trombone player!

12/10/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Allred is one of the most amazing young trombonists playing jazz today. His mastery of this difficult instrument is unbelievable. This is one of my favorite jazz albums by any artist."

AMAZING PLAYER

05/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard and bought Bill Allred's CD and was very impressed and then I heard Bill had a son John and got his CD (this is his only CD available,apparently) and was astounded by his even better playing. These guys are truly on the same level as the Great Fontana. Where can I find more CD's?"

If you dig JJ or Frank you will want to get this CD

J. E. Chapman | St. Louis, Mo USA | 05/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whether you're a trombonist or not you will enjoy this disk. The playing is clean and in the pocket. There are some great arrangements on here, of note is Autumn Leaves - dig the piano break by Varro, also the Getting Sentimental throws you a little curve, which a pleasentry considering how many trombonist do this tune (for the most creative take on this tune check out the album Absolute Trombone). The vibe on this album is definatly a JJ/Frank thing, you know a real post be-bop style of playing. Allred has got some chops but unlike some trombone players he plays with taste, flashing his chops when its appropriate, but always giving you something tasty. I must say I do get sick of trombonist seeing how many notes they can jam into a measure tune after tune measure after measure - yeah, we get it, you can play fast, but thankfully Allred plays tastefully and with more concern for the tune, the changes, and swinging than blazing through the tunes. There is nothing really horribly original (unless you have never heard a JJ Johnson or Frank Rosolino album - in which case you need to go get some - now!) but Allred's playing is sweet and to the point and since JJ and Frank are not with us then Allred is more than a fair substitution. This guy is one of the best jazz players, besides being a great trombonist, out there. I would especially recommend this CD for youngsters who are stuck in awe of flashy chops but who are not learning to hear what solid in the pocket trombone/jazz playing is all about. (if you are looking for some great trombone jazz with some great playing and great chops I would also recommend Bobby Knights Great Trombone Co. - Cream of the Crop. So yeah, ok these guys can play fast - but they are, for the most part, tearing the changes apart to and thats what counts)"