What would you get if you melded a bit of Art Blakey to the imagination of Lester Bowie? You’d get trumpeter Eddie (E. J.) Allen who collaborated with both bandleaders and leads a high-voltage quintet through a set displaying his diverse approach, precise technique and exceptional composing skills.
Standards by Herbie Hancock, Benny Golson, McCoy Tyner and Frank Gordon and six Allen originals are imaginatively polished off by Allen and his cohorts: Dan Faulk (tenor/soprano saxes), Anthony Wonsey (piano), Richie Goods (bass), and Cindy Blackman (drums). Trombonist Steve Turre guests on four tracks.
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