(Mainstream Jazz) [WEB] Scott Hamilton & Harry Allen (feat. Rossano Sportiello) - Live! - 2016, FLAC (tracks), lossless

Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen have been performing together for many years and this is the first live recording they've released together. It features a collection of classic tenor saxophone songs and battles. The stellar rhythm section of pianist Rossano Sportiello, bassist Paul Keller and drummer Leon Joyce Jr. are swinging like crazy from the first note. Recorded live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz, CA.
Scott Hamilton is an important figure in jazz. He was largely responsible for the surge in straight-ahead swinging jazz in the late 1980's and 90's, bringing the music back from a period lost to more electronic jazz. On a personal note, he was almost solely responsible for the early direction of my musical development and has been a source of inspiration throughout the years. Not to mention, of course, that he is one of the most incredible musicians and saxophonists on the planet.
Rossano Sportiello, a protegé of legendary pianist Barry Harris, was born and raised near Milan, Italy. After receiving a degree in classical piano and astounding European audiences with his unique style combining modern influences with a dose of the great stride piano tradition, he moved to New York City eight years ago and has been taking the jazz world by storm… recently completing a successful run headlining at The Café Carlyle. Upon hearing his first notes it is abundantly clear why he is a favorite amongst musicians and listeners alike.
Paul Keller is one of the great bass players of our time and a prolific composer, arranger and educator. He has performed with just about everyone, from Diana Krall to Jay McShann, making every band he plays with swing like there’s no tomorrow.
Leon Joyce Jr. rounds out the band in grand style on drums. His artistry and infectious beat has graced the bandstands of such luminaries as Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson and Smokey Robinson.
The set begins with Apple Honey, a Woody Herman tune written over Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm. The first tenor solo is played by Harry with Scott taking the second. Scott leads off the trading between the two tenors.
The Lonesome Road was written by Nathaniel Shilkret and Gene Austin to emulate a spiritual and was famously recorded by Frank Sinatra. Here Scott plays the first solo followed by Harry.
Next, Lester Young’s composition Tickle Toe was a hit of the early Count Basie Orchestra. Solos by Harry first and Scott second.
A Sound Investment is a Flip Phillips original over the chords to Sweet Georgia Brown from a recording of the same name that Flip made with Scott Hamilton. Scott takes the first turn followed by Harry.
Body And Soul, the tenor ballad of all ballads, had to be included in this concert. With music by Johnny Green with words by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton, it was a huge hit record for Coleman Hawkins and remains one of the most revered jazz recordings of all time. Scott starts the trading of the melody between the two tenors, and takes the first solo, Harry the second. The line immediately following the solos is Hey Lock! written by Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis. The final trading is started by Scott, with Harry beginning the cadenza and Scott closing.
Blues Up And Down is the most famous two tenor battle song, written and recorded by Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt (also recorded by Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis and Johnny Griffin). The solos open with the tenors trading single choruses with solo breaks with Scott leading off and Harry following. The first full solo is Scott, then Harry with Scott initiating the trading.
"There is something special about a live concert. The energy between the audience and the musicians can be inspiring. Hopefully you will enjoy this as much as we did that beautiful California evening in February, 2014." (Harry Allen)

Scott Hamilton - tenor sax
Harry Allen - tenor sax
Rossano Sportiello - piano
Paul Keller - bass
Leon Joyce Jr. - drums