In his liner notes to this recording, writer Ray Osnato says it best about tenor saxophonist J.D. Allen : "Known for his deeply introspective style and often modernistic , sometimes envelope-pushing recordings, J.D. Allen has built a career balancing brave individualism with an intense emotional center."
Whenever Allen approaches standards ( as he did wonderfully on his 2018 release Love Stone) it's a deeply emotional display, honoring the past without getting bogged down in it.
The result? Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions), a gorgeous interpretation of classics from Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, a pair from Hoagy Carmichael, and other nuggets featuring Allen's tenor saxophone, pianist Brandon McCune, bassist Ian Kenselaar and drummer Nic Cacioppo. There's even a Brandon McCune original, titled as a primer to approaching the art of the ballad.
WBGO's "Daybreak host" Gary Walker spoke with J.D. Allen about his career and the new album.
J.D. Allen on Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions):
J.D. Allen on working with Betty Carter:
Hear a track from J.D. Allen's new release each weekday morning @ 8:20AM, and go to WBGO.org to see and hear my conversation with J.D. about his new creative effort. It's another service made possible by the the members of WBGO.
You can SEE Gary Walker's entire interview with J.D. Allen below:
