Tenorist Allen is an activist with a flair for interesting projects; most recently it was the music of star US tenorist Gene Ammons that he sought to celebrate. Now it’s the funky Philadelphia-born tenor saxophonist Turrentine [1934-2000] that he’s recalling on this album and out on the road.

So what we have is tenor-led, R&B-style crossover jazz, with Barry playing catch as catch can under Allen’s meaty tenor. The album opens with ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ which turns out to be tailor-made for this kind of bluesy soul-jazz, the groove irresistible. ‘You’re Gonna Hear From Me’ goes much the same way whereas ‘Love For Sale’ is more lyrical but remains danceable. ‘Little Green Apples’ has Allen using his buzz tone and heavy vibrato to build momentum at medium tempo and the blues-drenched ‘What Could I Do’ (which is by Ray Charles) just made me long for its author to join in to complete the effect. I think Ray would have been pretty pleased at what Allen and company were doing with his song.

Quite sensibly, given the premise of the project, Allen includes three of Turrentine’s own cheery pieces and does them proud. There’s also a second Lennon/McCartney number, ‘The Fool On The Hill’ and ‘Evil’ – by Stevie Wonder – to complete a very eclectic selection.

I’d love to hear this band in a blues club and could quite imagine that it would more than hold its own in Harlem should the opportunity occur. Go for it, Brandon!