Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Harry Allen and Joe Temperley: Cocktails For Two
Harry Allen and Joe Temperley: Cocktails For Two
ByThis 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
saxophoneHarry 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
< Previous
One Tough Town
Next >
Light On