Msings on Jazz and Blues Savant Archive

J D Allen – Americana – Musings On Jazz And Blues – Savant

by Audiophile Audition | Jul 16, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

J D Allen – Americana – Musings On Jazz And Blues – Savant SCD 2155,  44:54 ****:  The album is an adventure into America’s musical past. (J D Allen – tenor saxophone; Gregg August – bass; Rudy Royston – drums) The combination of musicians that J D Allen brought together for his look at musical culture called Americana: Musings On Jazz And Blues brings to mind another seminal recording done in 1957 by tenor saxophone Sonny Rollins entitled Way Out West, that included bassist Ray Brown and drummer Shelly Manne. Although both discs have similar instrumentation,  Rollins is focused on the popular music tradition, while Allen has devoted his efforts principally to the blues form. The project opens with an Allen original “Tell The Truth, Shame The Devil” and immediately the function of the blues is evident as Allen begins his exploration of the genre with a soulful sound that is heartfelt. There are two compositions on this session that are not Allen originals, the first being  “Another Man Done Gone” and “If You’re Lonesome, Then You’re Not Alone”. The first is credited to Alabama-based singer Vera Hall and is sorrowful blues that is accentuated by Gregg August’s arco bass […]