Eddie Allen

Trumpeter Eddie Allen has long been thought of as a post-bop stylist, though he's played in a variety of styles during his career. He founded the septet Sãlongo to play a blend of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian-flavored originals, including alto saxophonist Bruce Williams, tenor saxophonist Teodross Avery, and pianist Hector Martignon. One can easily imagine vocals being added to several of Allen's infectious songs, particularly the joyful Afro-Cuban strut "Being Here with You" and "Touch," the latter a soft R&B/Afro-Cuban pop ballad having the flavor of Stevie Wonder. Charlie Parker's "My Little Suede Shoes" was originally conceived with a Latin air, so that makes it a natural for Allen's band. The one weak spot is the unnecessary addition of Uli Geissendoerfer's synthesizer on some tracks, which adds little to the music. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide