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Harry Allen / Scott Hamilton: ‘Round Midnight

By Edward Blanco
January 19, 2013
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Harry Allen / Scott Hamilton: ‘Round Midnight

Harry Allen and

Scott Hamilton

saxophone, tenor
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Scott Hamilton are two veteran tenor saxophonists whose individual careers have not prevented them from maintaining a friendship or performing together whenever possible. Their third joint project, Round Midnight presents new interpretations of nine standards in a quintet format offering far more solos than normally found in a group featuring one main artist. Their pairing is reminiscent of the great tenor team of

Al Cohn

saxophone, tenor
1925 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Al Cohn and

Zoot Sims

saxophone, tenor
1925 - 1985

" data-original-title="" title="">Zoot Sims, and builds on the foundation of other such bands from the past like that of the

Gene Ammons

saxophone, tenor
1925 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Gene Ammons and

Sonny Stitt

saxophone
1924 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Stitt and the

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis

saxophone, tenor
1922 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and

Johnny Griffin

saxophone, tenor
1928 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Johnny Griffin quintets.

Leading off with the 1912 composition "My Melancholy Baby," the two tenors establish themselves with predictable smooth play, ably engaged by a superb rhythm section that prominently features pianist

Rossano Sportiello

piano
b.1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Rossano Sportiello. Allen's "Great Scott," whether a tribute to Hamilton or not, is certainly the disc's first lively spot, offering plenty of saxophone fireworks as well as steady and solid backup from drummer

Chuck Riggs

drums
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Chuck Riggs. "The Opener" begins with a terrific saxophone harmony and features bassist

Joel Forbes

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Joel Forbes's solid ,heavy chords.

The centerpiece of the album, the great bossa nova standard "Baubles, Bangles and Beads," provides both saxophonists solo opportunities that turn out to be the recording's highlight. After discussing their wish to perform "Lockjaw" Davis' "Hey Lock" for years, the duo finally records it here as an enjoyable mid-tempo romp. Rodgers and Hart's "Lover" and

Neal Hefti

trumpet
1922 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Neal Hefti's "Flight of the Foo Birds" definitely lend some bopping moments to the date.

The two saxophonists cap off what is, in general, an invigorating session of jazz with pianist

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk' oft-recorded title track, closing a session of invigorating music with one last tender moment. On Round Midnight, this dynamic duo leads a very vibrant group in performing its best impressions of the twin-tenor quintets of years past, successfully adding Harry Allen and Scott Hamilton to that prestigious list of jazz ensembles.

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Track Listing

My Melancholy Baby; Great Scott; How Am I To Know; The Opener; Baubles, Bangles and Beads; Hey Lock; Lover; Flight Of The Foo Birds; 'Round Midnight.

Personnel

Harry Allen

saxophone

Harry Allen: tenor saxophone; Scott Hamilton: tenor saxophone; Rossano Sportiello: piano; Joel Forbes: bass; Chuck Riggs: drums.

Album information

Title: ‘Round Midnight | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Challenge Records

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