Allan Harris is a world-class singer, guitarist and songwriter whose smooth vocals and guitar-styling easily crosses genres, from contemporary jazz to rock to blues. Tony Bennett calls Allan "my favorite singer"
and The New York Times' Stephen Holden raves about "the protean talent that is Allan Harris."
Allan Harris’ new recording, Open Up Your Mind, signals the beginning of a new era in this incredibly talented musician’s career. Always known as a singer’s singer, in Open Up Your Mind, Harris also gets the opportunity to show off his deep songwriting talent while letting the music world know that he can hold his own on guitar. In this CD, Harris features nine original songs destined to hit the charts, like Hold You which pays tribute to the great R&B songs of Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass, while Can’t Live My Life Without You is an upbeat jazzy tune in the vein of George Benson. Allan’s outstanding vocal abilities are well-represented in The Color of a Woman is Blue and his unique slide guitar styling is highlighted in the very bluesy Inner Fear, while the songs Open Up Your Mind (the title track) and There She Goes have a crossover edge that melds roots rhythms with contemporary jazz improvisation. Autumn is an original ballad that will make you dream of love that changes like the seasons, and Harris’ upbeat and highly original rendition of the classic Fly Me to the Moon will surprise and delight all listeners. In Shores of Istanbul, Allan dreams of that beautiful city and the mutual love affair they’ve had over the years. However, there’s no hiding Harris’ great love for the US, and in the final track I Do Believe, he pays tribute to the everyday working people who make our country great. Open Up Your Mind will no doubt attract those who love vocalists and a variety of music with a contemporary twist.
Allan Harris has cultivated a global following, playing for packed audiences and receiving outstanding reviews throughout the United States, Europe, Russia andthe Far East. A three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist,” Allan is regularly featured at the world’s great music festivals, e.g. Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.
Allan’s artistry transcends his diverse vocal performances. He has composed “Cross That River,” a full-scale musical celebrating the Old West as told through the words and music of a black cowboy, and has received a prestigious Chamber Music America Grant for that work. The theatrical production of “Cross That River” played to rave reviews during the 2009 New York Musical Theater Festival and is currently in pre-production for a long-term run in early 2011. Several original songs from “Cross That River” are also frequently featured in The Allan Harris Band’s concert performances.
In addition to music, Allan is passionate about giving back. He is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network (helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals), and has performed many times alongside Vince Gill and Amy Grant at the Challenge Aspen Gala, an annual charity concert/golf tournament to benefit military service people who have sustained disabilities.
As a Gibson Guitar featured artist, Allan can frequently be found rehearsing at the Gibson Hit Factory, and along with The Allan Harris Band, he enjoys playing the top music clubs in his hometown of New York City.
27 сен 2024
