Artist..........: Harry Allen
Album...........: New York State Of Mind
Genre...........: Jazz
Label...........: Challenge Records
Catnr...........: CR73293
Source..........: CDDA
Rip.Date........: 11-02-2010
Street.Date.....: 23-11-2009
Quality.........: VBR/44.1kHz/Joint Stereo
Url.............: http://musique.fnac.com/a2764279/
Size............: 83.77MB
Song.Title :
01. Puttin' On The Ritz 6:35
02. Harlem Nocturne 3:43
03. Broadway Melody 5:40
04. Autumn In New York 6:51
05. Down In The Depths On The 90th Floor 4:51
06. Sidewalks Of New York 7:41
07. New York State Of Mind 7:55
08. Rose Of Washington Square 7:25
09. New York, New York 6:36
10. Chinatown My Chinatown 6:01
11. Manhattan Serenade 5:00
Runtime: 68:18 min
Release.Info :
New York City has been the setting of numerous television series and movies. It
has also inspired many songs. Tenor saxophonist Harry Allen captures some of
that essence with New York State of Mind, named for pop singer Billy Joel's
composition.
Allen, 43, was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in both Los Angeles,
California, and Burriville, Rhode Island. He has been a sideman to John
Pizzarelli and performed at festivals and clubs worldwide. His associations
include Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Kenny Burrell, and Bucky Pizzarelli. On
this outing, he is accompanied by pianist Rossano Spotiello, bassist Joel
Forbes, and drummer Chuck Riggs, with guest trombonist John Allred appearing on
several tracks.
The set kicks off with "Puttin' on the Ritz." Allred and Allen trade licks
during the introduction and then harmonize on the melody. Throughout, Riggs
scores on the hi-hats, with Allen stretching out on a playful solo. Allred
follows, at times pitching in some staccato rolls. The overall arrangement is
bouncy, jovial.
Things slow down considerably for the moody "Harlem Nocturne." The arrangement
doesn't take any risks, but the play is engagingùperfect for a smoky lounge.
"Sidewalks of New York" is another lively, taking-in-the-city selection.
Allred's jaunting solo is among the highlights, with Allen and Allred
overlapping during the song's energetic closing.
After a quiet, moody title song, the band picks up the pace with "Rose of
Washington Square." Spotiello has the highlight solo, with Riggs and Forbes
engaging in the background. Allen puts the tenor through some frenetic rolls
during his solo.
New York State of Mind doesn't present any original music, but it does offer
some interesting arrangements of classic pieces. The 13 tracks, including
several ballads, make up a fitting tribute to The Big Apple.