“A summit by the swingmaster is the interplay of Harry Allen and Martin Sasse. As a young pianist, Martin Sasse accompanied Benny Bailey in 2002 in 2002 – since then he has been in demand from all jazz greats who do not want to leave the swing.
And as busy as a band leader and artistic director of the Jazz Club King Georg in Cologne, his keyboard game is so energetic. Harry Allen knows that and only does long tours through Europe with him.
The highly decorated tenorist transports the music of his role models such as Lester Young, Stan Getz or Zoot Sims with even finer aesthetic flights of height into the 21st century. This has nothing to do with nostalgia, but with respect.
Martin Sasses trio goes this way anyway, today with the two rhythmic Bastian Weinig and Michael Keul, whom we have already experienced with Dusko Goykovich. Bastian Weinig as a newcomer in the jazz cellar will contribute the deep tones both melodiously and groovingly.
And that’s why they look forward to the groove and swing to rock at this summit !! ”
So the makers of the Jazzkeller Esslingen program were happy. They hadn’t been happy too early. This time, the two swing masters brought the young Bastian Weinig and the very valued drummer Michael Keul, who completed the quartet excellently.
In addition to swinging standards by Cole Porter and Ben Webster, we heard originals from Harry Allen like “Forever more” and wonderful ballads such as “There’s a New Game in Town”.
Martin Sasse played: “Blues for John”, “A Groovy Affair” and the slow numbers “Rita” and “For Lovers”. After over two hours, bobbing and enjoying dreams, a happy audience left the vaulted cellar …
Harry Allen (Tenor saxophon)
Martin Sasse (Piano)
Bastian Weinig (Bass)
Michael Keul (Schlagzeug)
