Allison, Ben
Palmetto, 2002, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 8.3w
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4-
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Bassist and composer Allison found kora player Mamadou Diabate back in 2001. He was the answer to a search for new directions. Incorporating Diabate into Allison’s band with Michael Blake (sax and bass cl), pianist Frank Kimbrough and Michael Sarin (d), the quintet plays modern jazz with hints from Jamaica and India. The tracks range from “Daken”, a jazzy, Indian, reggae, to “Realization”, a cool mellow number; both swing! It’s definitely a fresh sound with lots of blended textures. Hats of to Allison for stretching the envelope.
