| SOLO TROMBONE CD REVIEW from the JazzWeekly website at: www.jazzweekly.ccom/reviews/5various.htm by Dave Wayne Brian Allen's Solo Trombone is a rough-hewn gem. Most apparent is Allen's innate sense of swing. He's one of those guys who can't help but swing, no matter how the abstract the music gets. Each of the 20 diverse performances on Solo Trombone is well-paced, and beautifully executed. Though there are a few pieces that are quite free, noisy, and experimental, the majority of Solo Trombone grows out of thematic materials, sort of like a jazz tune would. As an improviser, Allen seems to come out of the Roswell Rudd / Gary Valente / Ray Anderson school of expressionistic modern jazz trombone players, but he never gets hung up in his own bluster or silliness. Allen wisely tempers his taste for broad humor with skillful and soulful, even lyrical playing. Best of all, Allen is not a one-trick pony; he approaches this music from every conceivable angel, and always seems to make it work. Solo Trombone is available directly from Brian Allen, who can be reached at: www.braintone.com or via email at: bka44@hotmail.com |