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Harry Allen Quartet
(Harry Allen Website)
Harry Allen on Tenor Saxophone
Joe Cohn on Guitar
Joel Forbes on Bass
Chuck Riggs on Drums
At
Zuni
www.zuniny.com
598 Ninth Avenue @ 43rd Street
NY, NY 10036
212.765.7626
Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower
November 29, 2004 Zuni is the hottest jazz venue in NY on Monday nights, with Elizabeth Rosen’s striking jazz art and the Harry Allen Quartet, an internationally renowned ensemble, led by Harry Allen on tenor saxophone, who has been reviewed on numerous occasions in this magazine. Tonight’s smooth swing, with a decided sax lead, drew much attention to Zuni’s Ninth Avenue, theatre district windows. A guest guitarist and guest vocalist joined the group in breezy or belting riffs, as guests dined on delicious and heart-warming dinners and drinks. For jazz ambiance and surprise guests, Zuni is the spot on Monday nights, 8 – 11 PM.
Tonight’s final set included red-hot swing, with up front and sizzling sax, as Harry Allen barely takes a breath, eyes closed in total focus. Allen took five notes high up and then down to infinity, passing the lead to Joe Cohn’s guitar gymnastics. Cohn has vibrancy and verve. The vocalist matched the bluesy mood, building intensity above Cohn’s interesting trills. Luck Be a Lady Tonight was introduced by Allen with gusto and generosity, as contemporary jazz merged with swing dance sound. Cohn’s guitar sped through this number with effortless abandon.
Harry Allen’s Quartet is well seasoned and in tune with each other’s interpretations and improvisations, as they developed a challenging conversation, both rhythmic and rich. Joel Forbes and Chuck Riggs, although not specifically showcased in this set, were critical to the rhythms and resonance of each piece. The set closed, first with a mellow, meandering work, and then with sax and guitar gone wild. Cohn’s lightning fingering must be heard to be believed. Stop by Zuni on Monday nights for a jazz dinner you’ll want to add to your weekly event schedule.
Guest Guitarist
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Harry Allen and Joe Cohn
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Chuck Riggs
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Harry Allen
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Harry Allen
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Guest Vocalist
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
Joel Forbes
Photo courtesy of Roberta Zlokower
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