Harry Allen - Milos Illinois '2021

Tracks list

In February of 2019, Harry Allen played a gig at Shanghai Jazz, a
restaurant/jazz club in Madison, New Jersey. Allens contributions to the opening
set transpired amid a splendid convergence of circumstances. His tenor sax, an
acoustic piano and an upright bass were not miked or amplified in any way.
Obliviously noisy diners were conspicuous by their absence. Standing less than
five feet from the first row of tables, Allen didnt feel the need to huff and
puff and blow the house down. Evincing a tone that was self-contained, free of
affectation, and rife with nuance he improvised tales in the context of songs
from the Great American Songbook.

For those who havent had the opportunity to hear him in such an ideal setting,
theres Milos Illinois, a superb date co-led by Allen and bassist Mike Karn.
Their dialogues on songs spanning several decades of the twentieth century (as
well as a couple of originals) are so complete and deeply satisfying that the
presence of a chordal instrument or drums would only serve to muddy the waters.

The discs eleven tracks arent exercises in nostalgia or cynical attempts to
attract a financially viable segment of an ever-shrinking mainsteam jazz
audience. Allen and Karn dont simply play the songs; they live and breathe
inside of them. From Just One of Those Things, to Tea for Two, to A Time for
Love, their ingenuity and playfulness make time-honored material
sound—and feel—vigorous and essential. Although the tracks
generally evolve in a head/solos/head manner, theres nothing facile about Allens
and Karns use of familiar methods.

For the most part, Allens thoughtful, straightforward approach to the songs
favors gradations in tone instead of flashy detours or ornate embellishment. His
penchant for taking a somewhat different course on the in and out heads
contribute to the records extemporaneous character. He executes refined
variations of the melodies (a delightfully frisky rendition of Tenderly is a
noteworthy exception) and makes each phrase sound like a distinct entity that
merits scrutiny. Indicative of a clear-sighted player with a lyrical streak,
Allens improvisations are devoid of the shock and awe moments that have become
commonplace in contemporary jazz. In his domain, temperance is truly a virtue.
Meticulously constructed narratives betray no signs of inessential detail,
inflated climaxes, and gratuitous emotion.


During the heads and Allens solos Karn walks the tightrope by offering vigorous
commentary as well as providing harmonic and rhythmic underpinning. Seizing the
opportunity to act as something more than a dutiful, one-man rhythm section, he
asserts himself as an equal partner while remaining mindful of fundamental
responsibilities to the music. In some instances, minimalistic combinations of
notes are spot-on yet suggest an adventurous spirit. In other cases, loquacious,
irregular sequences speak for themselves while reinforcing Allen. The swagger of
Karns walking lines include brief, ear catching variations in timbre and
emphasis which enhance his resolute momentum. Left to his own devices for
substantial portions of the record, Karn forges his own space within the music.
Not unlike his years as an excellent tenor saxophonist, his solos display a bold
approach and always stays true to the core of each song.

From the beginning to the end of Milos Illinois, Allens and Karns
resourcefulness is a joy to behold. Highly recommended.

Personnel
Harry Allen: saxophone; Mike Karn: bass, acoustic.

Tracklist:
1 01. Harry Allen - Love Is Just Around the Corner (05:39)
1 02. Harry Allen - Just One of Those Things (06:20)
1 03. Harry Allen - A Time for Love (06:06)
1 04. Harry Allen - O Grande Amor (07:52)
1 05. Harry Allen - Tea for Two (04:50)
1 06. Harry Allen - Gypsy Sweetheart (04:41)
1 07. Harry Allen - Tenderly (04:14)
1 08. Harry Allen - Milos Illinois (04:40)
1 09. Harry Allen - Just Pickin out Ditties (05:08)
1 10. Harry Allen - The Song Is Ended (05:01)
1 11. Harry Allen - How Insensitive (06:00)

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