| Jazz |
In 2024, Steve Allee invited us into his striped adventures—I had spoken of it here—and now, the pianist and composer returns with Naptown Sound, a work both vibrant and awe-inspiring, or as Cyrano de Bergerac might have exclaimed, “Énormissime!” From the very first notes, a harmonious wave sweeps over the listener, a sonic whirlwind that leaves one utterly breathless. Naptown Sound stands as a heartfelt tribute to the rich jazz tradition of Indianapolis.
Affectionately known as “Naptown,” this city has birthed jazz legends such as Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, James Spaulding, Virgil Jones, and many others. Having performed alongside several of these luminaries—among them Slide Hampton, James Spaulding, Pookie Johnson, and Virgil Jones—Allee distills the essence of their unmistakable Naptown sound in this recording.
And that is no mere statement of intent. It is evident that Steve Allee has immersed himself completely in the score, dissecting its deepest nuances to craft arrangements that do far more than pay homage to this musical style; they offer one of the most passionate and accomplished reinterpretations one could imagine. Naptown Sound brings together a constellation of exceptional musicians from the region, including Steve Houghton (drums), Rob Dixon (saxophone), Jim Pugh (trombone), and Chip McNeil (tenor saxophone), with the special participation of conductor, bassist, and composer John Clayton. The album’s opening track, Full House—a Wes Montgomery composition arranged by Allee—pays a resplendent tribute to the city’s illustrious jazz heritage.
Several of these musicians have already graced our pages with their own albums or collaborations, and in every respect, this record is nothing short of extraordinary. A single track, such as Sang a Lang, suffices to reveal the sheer brilliance of these artists, each excelling in their craft. Steve Allee has shared the stage with some of jazz’s most iconic figures—James Moody, Benny Golson, Ed Thigpen, Bobby Watson, Rufus Reid, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, and many others. For over 14 years, he has been a member of Rufus Reid’s Out Front Trio, whose album Out Front spent 20 weeks atop the JazzWeek charts and was featured at the most prestigious festivals across the United States. Allee also contributed to the Grammy-nominated Quiet Pride project, as well as the 2023 album Celebration with the Sirius String Quartet.
This album holds a trove of musical and rhythmic delights, offering melodies as smooth as the hull of a newly christened ship—so much so that I found myself hesitating to begin this review, afraid of missing the essence, compelled to replay track after track in admiration of such consummate artistry. At times, its intentions verge on the funk-inspired, and one cannot but applaud Steve Allee for reviving these magnificent orchestral compositions, dedicating his immense talent to preserving works of such historical significance—breathing into them a life more vibrant than ever before.
One could speak of this album for hours, but the wisest course is to listen to it upon release. Particularly on CD, the mix is exquisitely executed—a feat in itself, considering the challenges of producing such an orchestral work. Without a doubt, this album, too, belongs in the ranks of our “Indispensables.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, February 25th 2025
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