Howard Alden's East Coast All-Stars

It's De-Lovely

Santa Fe Jazz Foundation  SFJF 003

        Whenever Howard Alden's East Coast All-Stars get together to play, it's without a doubt, de-lovely! That's the unanimous consensus of the patrons who flock every year over Memorial Day weekend to Sacramento, CA, to hear this crack band perform at the famed Jazz Jubilee. Adulation for this outfit is so fervent, that finally somebody got the ball rolling to record this thrilling septet plus one. The result is a brand new CD, aptly titled, It's De-Lovely, put out by the Santa Fe Jazz Foundation. This organization helps musicians in need and financially supports college jazz programs and other jazz organizations throughout the U.S. In fact, the CD was recorded two months prior to the Jazz Jubilee and put together in time for Jubilee patrons.

This fifteen-track album is full of tasty, swinging jazz played by the crème de la crème of today's jazz stars. Led by Alden himself, who is considered by many to be one of the finest guitarists in the world, this CD includes a wide variety of songs the All-Stars enjoying playing, from Jelly Roll Morton to Chet Baker. Joining Alden on this "adventure in Paradise" are tenor saxophonist Harry Allen; pianist Johnny Varro; trumpeter Randy Reinhart; trombonist John Allred; bassist Dave Stone; and drummer Jake Hanna. Featured on selected vocals is Terrie Richards Alden, Howard's wife, an All-Star in her own right.

The players are so musically sensitive that their tight ensemble sound is almost as thrilling to hear as their individual contributions. The album kicks off with a swinging version of the title track, setting the tone for what's to come.

Each of the front line players are featured, showcasing their individual take on certain standards. Reinhart's lush, open horn is refreshing to hear on the ballad, Spring Is Here, while his swinging persona makes a joyous shout on Jubilee, from the genius of Hoagy Carmichael.

Allred's smooth trombone takes off on a bouncy version of the Jules Styne opus, Just In Time, and the East Coast All-Star rhythm section lays down a nice groove with an up-tempo version of There Is No Greater Love.

The ever-exciting and pretty sounds of Harry Allen's tenor sax is featured on the contemporary jazz piece, Batter Up. He is joined by Alden, Stone, and Hanna. With the gifted Varro making it a full rhythm section again, Allen swings gently on When Your Lover Has Gone.

Terrie Richards Alden offers her unique vocal artistry on You're Driving Me Crazy, What A Little Moonlight Can Do, Cry Me A River, and two tunes written by the late pianist Joe Bushkin, who passed away last October  -  Oh, Look At Me Now and Something Wonderful Happens In Summer (a duet with Howard). Any Bushkin composition holds special prominence in the hearts of the Alden's as the couple worked extensively with the gifted pianist.

The album ends in a swinging minor key with the Count Basie and Lester Young gem, Dickie's Dream.

A project that's de-lightful, de-licious and of course, de-lovely. God bless the Santa Fe Jazz Foundation for taking the lead on this task! May this be the first of many CDs this stellar group records together!

Track selections:  It's De-Lovely, Easter Parade, Shreveport Stomp, You're Driving Me Crazy, Spring Is Here, There Is No Greater Love, What A Little Moonlight Can Do, Cry Me A River, Batter Up, Just In Time, When Your Lover Has Gone, Jubilee, Oh, Look At Me Now, Something Wonderful Happens In Summer, Dickie's Dream.  (Total time: 72:19)

Recorded March 29 and 30, 2005 at Nola Recording Studios, New York City.

- Stephen Fratallone/Jazz Connection Magazine

Rating:  *****

To order It's De-Lovely, log on to Howard Alden's website at  www.howardalden.com  

*****