Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Harry Allen and Joe Temperley: Cocktails For Two

180

Harry Allen and Joe Temperley: Cocktails For Two

By

Sign in to view read count
Harry Allen and Joe Temperley: Cocktails For Two
Swing is the thing on this enormously enjoyable outing by baritone saxophonist Joe Temperley and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen. The album features the 77-year-old Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra stalwart Temperley and the 40-year-old ex-wunderkind Allen leading a superbly sympathetic rhythm section (John Bunch on piano, Greg Cohen on bass and Jake Hanna on drums) in front of an appreciative audience at the Rocky Mountain Jazz Party in Denver.

This isn't a take-no-prisoners saxophone battle in the mold of the legendary face-offs between tenor titans like Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt. Instead, it's a gentler affair, a meeting of complementary souls, who, whether playing in tandem or on their own, share an unswerving dedication to swing.

The mood is warm and congenial as the two saxophonists trade smooth, expressive solos on standards like "Tangerine, "I've Got the World on a String and "Sweet and Lovely. Each gets a ballad feature too, with Allen showcasing his breathy, Stan Getz-inspired tenor on "Everything Happens To Me and Temperley his elegant baritone on "Polka Dots and Moonbeams.

While it's a mostly relaxed affair, the group revs things up on a pair of Ellington and Basie classics, "In A Mellotone and "Jumpin' at the Woodside, on which Allen and Temperley evoke a big-band horn section all by themselves. There's nothing particularly new or innovative here, just great jazz played beautifully by an exceptional group of musicians.

Track Listing

Cocktails For Two; Blues In the Closet; My Romance; I've Got the World On a String; Tangerine, Everything Happens To Me; Polka Dots & Moonbeams; In a Mellotone; Sweet & Lovely; Jumpin' At the Woodside.

Personnel

Harry Allen
saxophone

Harry Allen: tenor saxophone; Joe Temperley: baritone saxophone; John Bunch: piano; Greg Cohen: bass; Jake Hanna: drums.

Album information

Title: Cocktails For Two | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Sackville

Comments

Tags

Concerts


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.