Harry Allen (musician)
| Harry Allen | |
|---|---|
 Harry Allen in 2006 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | October 12, 1966 |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Saxophone |
| Labels | Arbors Records, Mastermix Records |
Harry Allen (born October 12, 1966) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist born in Washington, D.C..[1] Early on he was recognized in high school as an exceptional talent being able to uncannily play tunes such as Body and Soul in the style of legendary tenor players Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Flip Phillips, or Sam Donahue.[2] He is a traditionalist in the manner of Scott Hamilton. He is best known for his work with John Colianni, Keith Ingham, John Pizzarelli and Bucky Pizzarelli.
Early life
Allen's father, Maurice, was a big band drummer.[3] As a child, his father played records for him; these included recordings of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, which made a lasting impression.[3] Allen was also influenced when in high school by recordings of Scott Hamilton.[3] Allen graduated from Rutgers University in 1988.[3]
Critical acclaim
Allen has been identified as one of the "finest exponents of swing tenor alive today"[4] and described by C. Michael Bailey as "the 'Frank Sinatra' of the tenor saxophone: a master interpreter of standards".[5]
Select discography
- Someone to Light Up My Life (Mastermix Records)
- I Know That you Know (Mastermix Records)
With Daryl Sherman
- Guess Who's In Town (Arbors Records)
With Joe Cohn
- Restless (Arbors Records)
- Harry Allen-Joe Cohn Quartet with Rebecca Kilgore & Eddie Erickson: Guys and Dolls (Arbors Records)
With Jan Lundgren
- Quietly There (Stunt Records)
References
- ↑ Cook, Richard (2005). Richard Cook's Jazz Encycolpedia. London: Penguin Books. pp. 8–9. ISBN 0-141-00646-3.
- ↑ Harry Allen, Body and Soul on the LP Coast to Coast, 1983/84 McDonald's All-American High School Jazz Band, McDonald's MDC 91884, 1984
- 1 2 3 4 Dryden, Ken (July 2015) "Harry Allen". The New York Jazz Record. p. 6.
- ↑ "Scott Hamilton & Harry Allen, Heavy Juice" The Observer (London), 2004
- ↑ "C. Michael Bailey quoted" Topeka Capital-Journal, 2008
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