Karenji (ars007) by The Allen Houser Sextet

KARENJI

This is a compostion dedicated to my wife, Karen. We were college sweethearts and then, a short 35 years later, we reunited. I hope the music speaks, in small measure, of her kind and caring nature. Plus, lucky me, she's become a "Senior Babe."

YOU'VE CHANGED

Late in her career, Lady Day sang this with strings. She did not have the light, flexible instrument of her youth, but when you hear her sing this song, you understand what the very soul of music is all about. Brother Bob Balthis picks just the right notes to play to compliment the melody.

THE SIDEWINDER

This is Lee Morgan's 1965 hit. I was in a record store in Berkeley, California and I asked to hear Lee's new Blue Note Album. After about 16 bars I said, "Sold. I'll take it. I love Lee Morgan." The little cutie at the counter said, "Have you told him?" I said something like, "God, only in Berkeley." Paul Hannah covers a lot of tenor saxophone history in his cooking solo. B. Willis, as on everything on this c.d., keeps the pots on from start to finish.

I WANT A LITTLE GIRL

Bob Butta, the glue that holds this band together, is such an unusual musicain because he plays equally well across the spectrum of modern jazz piano, from Monk to Horace to McCoy. Quite a rare and formidable accomplishment. This is his nod to the great Wynton Kelly. Frank Moran likes him to play this when they work together. When you hear this danceable, authentic jazz groove, you understand what's critical and essential to this music. George plays a fine bass solo.

WOULDYN'T YOU

Dizzy wrote this for, or about, Woody Herman. It's a classic bebop tune. Balthis and I have be playing this for about 30 years. He added the kick chous. Where he found it is anyone's guess, but you might check out Art Blakey and Johnny Griffin for starters.

A CHILD'S SONG

This is also my tune. I tried to portray the innocence and beauty of our children when they were very young. I am not a Christian, but I think the "carpenter" go it right when he said, "Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." If you have ever heard a lovelier rubato piano chorus by anyone on the planet (or any other planet), please contact me.

***THE MUSICIANS***

Allen Houser Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Paul Hannah Tenor Sax

Bob Balthis Trombone

George Hyde Bass

Bob Butta Piano

B. Willis Jones Drums

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