REVIEW OF JUNE- Downbeat February 2023
Subtlety, suppleness and a sense of urgency immediately strike the listener as alto saxophonist Kris Allen launches “June” the diverse and impassioned album he created in the pandemic.
Backed by his regular band, with guest trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and guest vocalists Michael Mayo and Shenel Johns. Allen delivers six originals and a sharp version of “I Have A Dream,” Herbie Hancock’s homage to Martiin Luther King Jr.
Allen’s voicings and quicksilver saxophone shape the tunes without being overbearing. Yes he’s the leader, but does he interact. Check out his hot exchanges with pianist Carmen Staaf on the hard driving “Ember.”
Allen shines particularly on “Fallow,” a tune about hope that lies in waiting. His tone is sweet, his lines comforting, and Staaf’s ruminations are underrated on this gorgeous ballad. The tempo accelerates on “Morning,” Allen’s love letter to his girlfriend. Allen threads his way through the celebration, vocalist Johns expresses Allen’s feelings saucily and vibraphonist Chris Dingman adds to the tune’s lift.
What Johns does for “Morning,” Mayo does for “Trees,” a recasting of the Joyce Kilmer poem that bolsters the sentimental touchstone with one of Allen’s tightest solos, Luques Curtis’s propulsive bass, Jonathan Barber’s dramatic drums and Mayo’s colorful voice.
The album ends with the title track, a heartfelt exchange between Allen and Curtis. The two listen into each other, creating a conversation that ends on a querulous, moving note. A solid, hopeful album- Carlo Wolff
Reviews of Beloved
"One of the better new releases to come out this year."
- Ed Enright, Downbeat Magazine
"Writing strong compositions for a simpatico quartet with its own sound and identity, Kris Allen goes from strength to strength."
"Hot stuff that burns with a smart, quiet fire."
"★★★★ "
"Startling Creativity"-
-Classacalite.com
“Always and everywhere, in every measure, at every turn, there is something that will surprise you.” -
Diskoryxeion ( Greece)
★★★★
On his terrific second album, saxophonist Kris Allen embraces those near and dear to him, whether writing tunes for various members of his family, saluting his mentor Jackie McLean or working with musicians from his hometown of Hartford, Connecticut. That sense of closeness is palpable throughout, providing a comfort that allows Allen and his cohort to locate the profound within the familiar.-
Downbeat
“Today’s saxophone dream band”-
Jazziz Magazine
"Really an excellent example of how to make an old language speak like brand spankin’ new."
- Dave Sumner, Birdistheworm.com
Other Press
Concert Review of KA Quartet 7/1/16 Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola NYC by Ken Micallef, Downbeat Magazine
"Allen and his quartet tied up Manhattan's jazz past and its vibrant jazz present with contagious grooves and kinetic compositions. Pray this quartet hits your town soon."-
Ken Micallef, Downbeat Magazine
Profile of KA in Hartford Courant By Michael Hamad 08/02/2016
http://www.courant.com/entertainment/music/hc-kris-allen-beloved-0803-20160801-story.html
Profile of KA by Owen Mcnally on WNPR.org Blog 09/07/2016
http://wnpr.org/post/kris-allen-finds-truth-beauty-and-groove-his-new-cd-stamford-venue#stream/0