Download Harry Allen Quartet - French Lullaby album

Review by Buck McMurray

The Harry Allen Quartet's latest album, French Lullaby, is a stunning tribute to the classic jazz standards of France. The album features ten tracks, each one showcasing the band's impeccable musicianship and Allen's impeccable saxophone skills.

From the opening notes of "La Vie En Rose" to the closing bars of "April in Paris," French Lullaby is a masterclass in jazz interpretation. The quartet takes familiar melodies and infuses them with new life, creating a sound that is both fresh and timeless.

The album features a mix of up-tempo numbers and slower ballads, each one highlighting a different aspect of the band's versatility. "C'est Si Bon" is a playful romp, while "Autumn Leaves" is a hauntingly beautiful rendition of the classic tune.

Throughout the album, Allen's saxophone is the star of the show. His tone is warm and inviting, and his improvisations are always tasteful and melodic. The rest of the quartet (pianist Rossano Sportiello, bassist Joel Forbes, and drummer Chuck Riggs) provide a solid foundation for Allen to build upon, creating a cohesive sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Summary by Buck McMurray

French Lullaby is a must-have for any fan of jazz music. It's a beautiful tribute to the great French standards of the past, and a testament to the enduring power of jazz music in the present.