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In an unusual development, I am somewhat at a loss to classify Christmas Morning, the cool new instrumental offering by Newton Allen's ensemble, Doc Allen and the Heartstrings. Initially, I might have been led off the trail just a bit by the participation of Sam Levine on woodwinds. With his Christmas Sax featured elsewhere on the site, I was expecting to hear some jazz. But I found nary a jazz riff on the disc. Instead, the arrangements range from classical to contemporary (which I often label "new age", for lack of a better descriptor). But "Heartstrings" captures the flavor of this band quite well: starting with Newton Allen's piano, the emphasis here is on emotion-inducing string arrangements, and feature a variety of orchestral string instruments: violin (Jacob Lawson), cello (Gary Tussing), and on one selection upright bass (Rob Jost). Rounding out this unique sound is Kenny Malone on drums and other percussion.

If there are those who are put off by the word "classical", it should be noted that these are wonderfully accessible arrangements, pleasing to the ear in every way, even for listeners who don't normally swing this way. I was struck by the hearty, yet poignant arrangement of What Child Is This, where cello and violin take center stage, with Levine's flute work a notable counterpoint.

All eleven selections are played with gusto and grace. The ensemble obviously knows the sound they wish to achieve, and take great delight in achieving it. For this listener, Christmas Morning was a delightful surprrise.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Newton Allen: piano
Sam Levine: woodwinds (including flute, soprano sax, clarinet and whistle)
Jacob Lawson: violin
Gary Tussing: cello
Kenny Malone: percussion
Rob Jost: bass on Winter Wonderland

Production, recording, arranging, and mixing were meticulously executed by Jacob Lawson, the master. All recording took place at Little Big Sound studio in Bellevue, TN, in February and March of 2006, excepting violin and bass recordings which were done in New York at Jacob's studio in June and July. Sam Levine and Jacob Lawson completed the woodwind arrangements. Cello parts were arranged by Gary Tussing and Jacob Lawson. Piano arrangements were done by Newton Allen or by Denise All and Newton Allen. Denise, my piano guru, was specifically key to the arrangments for White Christmas, Tennessee Christmas, Silent Night, and The Christmas Song. Thank you, Denise!

Newton Allen, with Doc Allen and the Heartstrings

Christmas Morning

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Track List