Tenor Sax Sensation Harry Allen Teamed With Pianist Bill Charlap

CONCERT:    Friday, August 10, 2001 8:00pm $12

"Of all the saxophonists who have emerged in the past 30 years" writes one reviewer of Harry Allen's CD, "only Allen and Scott Hamilton have clung to the tradition of pre-bop tenor giants." They're also writing great things about Bill Charlap: "Charlap has wed his mastery at the jazz piano tradition to a seemingly endless fount of spontaneous creativity." 

Tenor sensation Harry Allen will join forces with piano talent Bill Charlap in a concert at the Watchung Arts Center on Friday evening, August 10. It's not their first time together, as a mutual CD will attest, but a rare live duet performance that should be a treat for their many fans. This Jazz Series event starts at 8 PM, and tickets are only $12, including complimentary intermission refreshments. 

"Harry Allen... is a throwback to the time when a Big Tenor like Ben Webster (you can hear his influence) could break your heart with a slow ballad," writes one reviewer. "That luxurious sound and wistful approach to a beautiful song are in serious danger of extinction." Not if the growing tide of his newest recordings are snapped up by fans. Harry Allen's fame in jazz circles is recently earned. As a talented youngster he was an early recipient of New Jersey Jazz Society scholarship funds for his music studies at Rutgers. He’s repaid the favor with appearances at the Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp, and the annual Jazz Picnic, and later JazzFest, all sought-after invitations in the jazz community. His unique approach to the tenor sax has won critical acclaim and a legion of fans, many in Europe, where the music is highly popular. 

"Bill Charlap's music, for all its intricacy, is fun and it swings." What more can you ask of a jazz pianist? In his recordings as well as live performances, "Charlap knows how to keep the narrative moving." Derek Smith, no slouch at the keyboard himself, described Charlap as "the next Dick Hyman," referring to the jazz pianist that the others most admire. No small praise, that. 

Charlap has been playing with the Phil Woods Quintet as well as his own trio for some years now, having developed his unique style performing with Benny Carter, Clark Terry, Jim Hall, Warren Vache, Milt Hinton, Louie Bellson and Grady Tate, among other superstars of the music world. He was a member of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet for two years, and the accompanist of choice for top vocalists such as Tony Bennett and Carol Sloane, appearing on over 50 CDs as a sideman. 

Given the strong following each of them has, advance reservations are strongly encouraged. They may be made by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message on the tape if necessary. Tickets will be held at the door to be picked up and paid for upon arrival. 

The Watchung Arts Center is "on the circle" in Watchung, easily reached from throughout the region via Route 22 (Plain- field overpass) or Interstate 78 (exit 40). There is ample free parking adjacent to the Center's historic building, or at the municipal lots at Best Lake and Watchung Lake. 

CONTACTS:
Watchung Arts Center (1 to 4 PM best)(908) 753-0190
Bruce M. Gast, Publicity (908) 755-2483
Harry Allen, Saxophonist (Little Falls) (973) 890-4841 
Bill Charlap, Pianist (South Orange) (973) 762-8071