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George Masso Sextet: C'est Magnifique!
ByHarry Allen, Again! I have just finished reviewing Harry Allen's the King and was pleased to find him here. Allen may be the most perfect tenor player exhaling through his instrument. He (and Masso) is not a groundbreaker. He is a performer with a technique so prodigious it can make one's mouth go dry. On this recording, Allen's tenor almost mimics the sound of the clarinet so clean is Allen's attack. Likewise for Mr. Masso. George Masso is a well known commodity on the trad jazz circuit, but may be less well known universally. He has a beautiful, respectful, and well-informed tone. What a treasure!
Anything Goes. This collection of Cole Porter tunes is bookended by two splendid examples of traditional jazz playing. "It's D'Lovely" and the title cut are definitely played in "the old style". I am not going to go so far and describe this performance as "Dixieland". I would call it post 1930s small combo Chicago jazz at the dawn of the Swing era. No matter, it is super music. Both Masso and Allen, along with pianist Johnny Varro, turn in stellar performances on all cuts but uniquely shine on the ballads. Nagel-Heyer should be commended on their allegiance to traditional (mainstream jazz). Nagel-Heyer is a great repository for this fine music and fine musicians such as George Masso.
Track Listing
It's D'Lovley; It's Alright With Me; Why shouldn't I; what is This Thing Called Love; I Love you, Samantha; Get Out of Town; C'est Magnifique!. (Total Time: 68:53)
Personnel
George Masso: Trombone; Lou Colombo: Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Harry Allen: Tenor Saxophone; Johnny Varro: Piano; Phil Flanigan: Bass; Jake Hanna: Drums.
Album information
Title: C'est Magnifique! | Year Released: 2000
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