2008 Woodie Awards
John Allmark Jazz Orchestra delights
Jenna Wright
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Entertainment
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11/14/07 - I've been to a good amount of rock shows, but rarely (or ever for that matter) have I been graced with the live orchestrations of jazz. The John Allmark Jazz Orchestra is something you'll have to experience for yourself: it's a band so full of talent that even those who may know nothing about this genre will be applauding and asking for more.
John Allmark and his fellow members play a mean two-set show, meeting every Monday at 9 p.m. within the inviting allure of East Providence's Bovi's Town Tavern. The surprising aspect about this band is that it requires no rehearsal. This band is simply a group of outstanding musicians who resonate that big band traditional sound.
Allmark's composition brings you back to the age of ballroom dancing, where couples in extravagantly beautiful dresses and suits would bring the music to a physical form. As you listen you can't help but feel a surge of excitement as you witness the splendor of the solos.
Oh, the solos ... it is remarkable to hear the hard work and talent of each member, where lung capacity becomes the key factor. It was impressive to watch as Allmark traded solos with alto saxophone player Mark Pinto, and the precision of each and every note echoed.
Aside from a great show, Allmark also has a great album. The CD, off of the Whaling City Sound label, provides an array of songs featured during this show and also from prior compositions throughout the six-year span.
This debut album features a mix of crooning by Clay Osborne on heartfelt ballads like "My Foolish Heart" and the summery "Georgia On My Mind." Both songs intertwine the passion of Osborne's voice and Allmark's composition with a romance that is unshakable.
Then there's my personal favorite, "There Is No Greater Love," which begins with Allmark's lead and deviates shortly after with swingy additions from the trumpets and flugelhorns. The undertones of the bass of Bronek Suchanek and the rhythm percussions of Vinny Pagano's drums are really what polish this song off.
Jazz in itself may not be for everyone, but this is where the term "timeless music" comes into play, where, when all is said and done, words aren't needed to get the message across.
At the end of the day jazz could really save your day from being disastrous and help put things into perspective. Jazz makes one feel settled, slows time down and allows one to appreciate life.
Allmark and his Jazz Orchestra may just do that for you.
John Allmark and his fellow members play a mean two-set show, meeting every Monday at 9 p.m. within the inviting allure of East Providence's Bovi's Town Tavern. The surprising aspect about this band is that it requires no rehearsal. This band is simply a group of outstanding musicians who resonate that big band traditional sound.
Allmark's composition brings you back to the age of ballroom dancing, where couples in extravagantly beautiful dresses and suits would bring the music to a physical form. As you listen you can't help but feel a surge of excitement as you witness the splendor of the solos.
Oh, the solos ... it is remarkable to hear the hard work and talent of each member, where lung capacity becomes the key factor. It was impressive to watch as Allmark traded solos with alto saxophone player Mark Pinto, and the precision of each and every note echoed.
Aside from a great show, Allmark also has a great album. The CD, off of the Whaling City Sound label, provides an array of songs featured during this show and also from prior compositions throughout the six-year span.
This debut album features a mix of crooning by Clay Osborne on heartfelt ballads like "My Foolish Heart" and the summery "Georgia On My Mind." Both songs intertwine the passion of Osborne's voice and Allmark's composition with a romance that is unshakable.
Then there's my personal favorite, "There Is No Greater Love," which begins with Allmark's lead and deviates shortly after with swingy additions from the trumpets and flugelhorns. The undertones of the bass of Bronek Suchanek and the rhythm percussions of Vinny Pagano's drums are really what polish this song off.
Jazz in itself may not be for everyone, but this is where the term "timeless music" comes into play, where, when all is said and done, words aren't needed to get the message across.
At the end of the day jazz could really save your day from being disastrous and help put things into perspective. Jazz makes one feel settled, slows time down and allows one to appreciate life.
Allmark and his Jazz Orchestra may just do that for you.