Harry Allen, Scott Hamilton (ten); Rossano Sportiello (pno); Joel Forbes (bs); Chuck Riggs (dms).
This is my kinda disc - I'm totally in my comfort zone here. Think Dexter and Wardell, Zoot and Al, Gene and Sonny, Lockjaw and Griff and you'll get the idea.
Allen has been described as "The Sinatra of the saxophone". If that's the case then Hamilton is the "Tormé of the tenor" although personally I'd reverse the comparatives. Allen, as smooth as ever, and Hamilton with a Webster-like edginess, make for a pair of contrasting yet complementary stylists. No notes for notes sake - every note, every phrase counts.
Both players are a delight to listen to and together they make a great front line.
Standards include My Melancholy Baby; How Am I To Know?; Baubles, Bangle and Beads; Lover; 'Round Midnight plus Hefti's Flight of the Foo Birds; Lockjaw's Hey Lock; Allen's Great Scott and a swinger - The Opener. What am I saying? - They all swing helped along by a rhythm section to die for.
This is going to be on my player for the rest of my life or at least until Saturday.
Harry Allen & Scott Hamilton: 'Round Midnight. Challenge Records CR73348.
Lance.
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