Personnel:
Dave Allen (g), Seamus Blake (ts), Drew Gress (b), Mark Ferber (d)
Reference: FSNT-297
Bar code: 8427328422970
Drawing inspiration from the deep though of jazz tradition, and taking profit of his intricate, flowing lyricism and sheer technical command of the guitar. Dave Allen joins forces again with Seamus Blake on tenor sax and Mark Ferber on drums. Drew Gress, one of the busiest players in the music, anchors the session on bass. Interpreting nine of Allens originals achieving a fine-grained intensity that the leader couldnt have scripted.
"Dave Allens Real and Imagined is of particular interest as it exposes refreshing music that seemingly comes out of nowhere, causing you to wonder why you havent heard of the artist before.
But Allen is no neophyte, performing and thriving in NYCs diverse jazz environment for a number of years. Real and Imagined is his second release, following Untold Stories (Fresh Sound, 2005), featuring his working quartet consisting of the potent rhythm section of bassist Drew Gress and drummer Mark Ferber, plus the sure voice of tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake.
Allen has what could be dubbed as string-imagination, the ability to quickly form and rethink patterns like moving waterflowing, lucid and spontaneous, paired with superior comping skillsfilling in the gaps with creative touches and chord-work. But of equal importance, the band is tight and the music is immersive. Performed without the use of techno effects and overdubbing, the tone of this effort is as forward-thinking as it comes.
Its rare to find a balanced sax/guitar-lead quartet but Allen and Blake make a fine team, negotiating themes in simpatico on the hip serpentine pattern of Slipping Glimpser. Or take the bopping Untold Story, as Blakes tenor echoes a Michael Brecker-like intensity as Allen adds some Wes Montgomery chordspaving the way for memorable solos as the rhythm section flawlessly keeps the arduous time in check.
Intimate Distance is organic; Gress delivers a powerful solo, followed by Allens free lines as the Latin-tinged cadence is driven by Ferbers insistent traps. A minimalist approach on Musing, funky interactive changes on Real and Imagined, and the swagger of Mantra, are all connected sections of this recordings collage.
From beginning to end the recording has the pulse of contemporary jazz with roots, vision, and spontaneity. Take into account a plethora of good guitar-based recordings and Real and Imagined stands toe-to-toe with any of them. "
-Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz
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"Dave Allen makes a fiery and eloquent showing with Untold Stories on Fresh Sound Records. Joined by tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, bassist Carlo DeRosa and drummer Mark Ferber, Allen brings daunting chops, full-bodied tone and melodic sensitivity to the table on this all-original debut set."
-David Adler, Jazz Times Magazine
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"There is a true sensuality to the guitarist's sound... unfolding his lines with an edge-of-your-seat stealth."
-Jim Macnie, Village Voice
