Harry Allen is one of the most prolific and respected tenors sax players and arrangers on the scene today. He has recorded over 70 albums as a leader and many more as a sideman. Part of his popularity is his unparalleled versatility. On his newest release, With Roses, Allen applies his swinging, melodic sax to a program of ten original songs composed by Roger Frankham with co-writers Bruce Brown, Roger Schore, and Mark Winkler. Allen has worked with Frankham on other recording projects and recorded three of his songs on an album with pianist Mike Renzi. As the arranger, Allen thought the music would be best served by two horn sections, one featuring jazz horns comprising two trumpets, two tenor saxes, and one trombone, while the other a classical horn section, consisting of two flutes, two clarinets, and a bass clarinet.
For this project, Allen enlisted some of his friends, who just happen to be some of the finest jazz musicians around. Most tracks also feature vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan, a New York City-based vocalist who has been making a name for herself. Roger Frankham’s compositions draw listeners in with their engaging melodies and affable harmonies, while Harry Allen is a master of imbuing a song with his own aesthetics yet hewing closely to the composer’s spirit and intention. With enchanting vocals by Yeghiazaryan and the superb band of A-List players, With Roses is an appealing showcase for these new songs.
For further information on the artist, visit http://www.harryallenjazz.com
Photo Harry Allen by Fran Kaufman, provided by Mouthpiece Music
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