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Harry Allen & Dave Blenkhorn: Play the Music of Phil Morrison
ByThe resulting collaboration may best be described as tastefully pleasant. Much of Morrison's music is laid-back, some with a gentle Latin touch (Morrison made a number of visits to Brazil with Nat Cole's brother, Freddy), and nudging from time to time the borders of smooth jazz. At least three of the album's eight numbers ("Down in Rio," "Mystique," "Your Eyes") call to mind the bossa nova mania of the mid-1960s. Allen is an ideal interpreter, performing with his usual calm assurance while paying his respects in phrasing and substance to tenor titans Zoot Sims and Stan Getz who were leading figures in the bossa nova movement. Blenkhorn's guitar is also in the pocket, its mellow single-note runs well-suited to the spirit of Morrison's charts.
One unforeseen aspect of the album is that even though only five musicians are listed, six of the eight numbers include overdubbed strings, winds and/or brass. The exceptions are "Your Eyes" and "Fiddlin,'" the last of which is the jazziest item on the menu (and also the briefest at just over three minutes). The other numbers ("April and U," "Summer Rain," Mieke Jade") are, for the most part, even-tempered and string-laden. Morrison certainly has an ear for an engaging melody, while Allen and Blenkhorn form a perfect channel through which to brighten and amplify his music. As noted, no fireworks but pleasurable listening with the accent on elegance.
Track Listing
April and U; Summer Rain; Down in Rio; Mieke Jade; Without You; Fiddlin’; Mystique; Your Eyes.
Personnel
Harry Allen
saxophoneDave Blenkhorn
guitarKeith Williams
pianoPhil Morrison
bassRudy Manuel
drumsAlbum information
Title: Play the Music of Phil Morrison | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: GAC Music
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Harry Allen & Dave Blenkhorn
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Play the Music of Phil Morrison
GAC Music
Harry Allen
Dave Blenkhorn
Phil Morrison
Keith Williams
Rudy Manuel
Zoot Sims
Stan Getz