STEVE ALLEE BIG BAND

NAPTOWN SOUND

Jazzville Records

Indianapolis has birthed such legendary artists as Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, J. J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, James Hampton, Pookie Johnson, James Spaulding, Phil Ranelin, and Virgil Jones. Steve Allee captures the spirit of their definitive “Naptown Sound.”

I enjoyed the addition of a vibraphone, played by Rusty Burge and prominent on their opening tune, “Full House.”  This ‘cover’ tune, composed by Wes Montgomery, sets the tone for Allee’s entire album.  As a prolific composer, all eight of the other compositions were written by band leader and pianist, Steve Allee.

The dynamic guest conductor, bassist and composer is John Clayton. What better collaborator than to work with this iconic musician who is the winner of eight Grammy Awards.  Steve Allee has shared stages with many jazz legends like James Moody, Benny Golson, Ed Thigpen, Bobby Watson, Randy Brecker and Peter Erskine.  For over fourteen years, Allee was a member of the Rufus Reid ‘Out Front’ trio with Duduka Da Fonseca on drums. Their awesome album titled “Out Front” spent 20-weeks at the very top of the JazzWeek charts.  Steve Allee also participated in Reid’s Grammy-nominated project, “Quiet Pride.”

Last year, (2024) was a standout year for Allee.  He released “Standards Deluxe” recorded by the Rob Dixon/Steve Allee Quintet followed by “Zebra Stories” that earned the group national acclaim and massive airplay.

A tune called “Spang a Lang” bursts from the speakers in my listening room and thrills me with bebop energy.  Steve Houghton is dynamic and exciting on drums. This is one of my favorite tunes on Allee’s very entertaining album.  What a wonderful groove they get on “Cookin’ at the Kitchen.”   Michael Stricklin is featured on alto saxophone.  Allee’s rhythm-section, keeps the bluesy arrangement moving ahead like a slow-moving freight train.  I love the harmonic horn arrangements. This quickly becomes another favorite tune of mine.  Clearly Steve Allee is an amazing composer.

“Naptown Nights” starts out slow and ominous, like a scary movie with the drums and Jeremy Allen’s bass growling in the background.  Funny story about the term ‘Naptown.’  Indianapolis was given the nickname of ‘Naptown’ in the 1920s, by their African American population. They emphasized the fourth syllable in the name (IndiaNAPolis).  Although it was once considered an insult, the term has been reclaimed and now proudly reflects the city’s transformation into a lively cultural center.

This tune soon transforms from its dark beginning to a sparkling bright arrangement that features Allee on piano, Burge on vibraphone, Rob Dixon on saxophone and Ansyn Banks on trumpet.  Another Allee composition, that is full of happiness and joy, is titled “Wes at the Turf.”  It features the guitar solo and always ‘in-the-pocket’ groove-master, Dave Stryker.  I also found the tune “Hubbub” to be arranged very creatively.  The way it begins with Allee’s blues tinged piano conversating with the bass of Jeremy Allen is very expressive and interesting.  Allen plays some contrapuntal lines, with the drums egging him on, supplying a powerful punch. It also features Jim Pugh on lead trombone. Together, they swing!

This is a wonderful album of great music, dynamic players and East Coast energy.  Steve Allee is a formidable composer.  John Clayton adds his mastery as guest conductor.

The entire big band is plush with talent.  They include: Steve Allee, piano/Fender Rhodes/composer; John Clayton, conductor; RHYTHM: Rusty Burge, vibraphone/percussion; Sandy Williams & Dave Stryker, guitar; Brian Kilgore, percussion; Jeremy Allen, bass; Steve Houghton, drums. SAXOPHONES/WOODWINDS: Michael Stricklin, flute/soprano & alto saxophone; Matt Pivec, clarinet/alto saxophone; Chip McNeill, clarinet/tenor saxophone; Ned Boyd, bass clarinet/baritone saxophone; Frank Glover, clarinet. TROMBONES: Jim Pugh (lead); Zach Granger, Rich Dole, & Jared Rodin (bass trombone). TRUMPETS/FLUGELHORNS: Joey Tartell, (lead); Derrick Gardner, Ansyn Banks, John Raymond, & Jeff Conrad.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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