TESTIMONIAL:
The Cafe Carlyle Experience Comes to Gloucester
Those who love the jazzy tunes of Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin’s American Songbook and the vocals of great American crooners like Bobby Short, Vic Damone, and Pat Boone will find it in the accomplished performances of Henry Allen and his "New Swingset" jazz combo (including Adria Smith on keyboard, Zach Bridges on base, and Steve Lacey on guitar).
[My wife] and I highly recommend Henry’s musical offering.
Gloucester can’t offer Bobby Short at the Jazz Café of the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan (indeed, no one can), but it can offer Henry Allen & The New Swingset. Remarkably, the one reminds us of the other.
Best,
R. Rosenfeld
Heard an entertaining set from Henry-Cameron Allen and the New Swing Set at Jalapeño's (Gloucester) Friday night. Henry was accompanied by a rhythm section of young Berklee lions - Noah Harrington, Derek Dupuis & Shane Dähler. A tight knit bunch of fans and co-conspirators were on hand to cheer him on. The room reverberated with the joyful sounds of jazz music - and with a notably positive vibe: Henry egging on his musicians, interacting with the crowd; and the crowd sending back their appreciation. This man knows how to work a room (don't worry, Henry, I'm not after your money)!
A number of those who were present are alumnae of Henry's theatrical endeavors at The Folklore Theatre (aka FloLo). We heard several heartfelt testimonials (off mic) of the life-changing effects of discovering - with HCA's mentoring - an aptitude and a passion for theater. Life-changing.
Hearing about his mentoring in the theater, and seeing him mentor his young musicians, brought to mind a question: is Mr. Allen a theater director and singer; or is he conducting an Arts Ministry? All of the above, I think. As one who has been sustained and healed by music, I can attest to the transformative potential of the arts.
Come to learn that Henry's father, Saul Stuart Gefter, has lived amother kind of "ministry" - in the service of the Jewish diaspora in Russia, in Cuba and in Brazil. The acorn & the tree, etc.
- Christopher Welles
HENRY ALLEN'S BIO:
I was steeped in world culture from an early age. Growing up in Europe and Latin America have had a profound impact on my work as an artist, educator and parent. Surviving cancer, overcoming obesity, and losing my 13 year old son to brain cancer in 2008, have taught me many lessons in courage, empowerment and integrity.
I am a vocalist and Master of Ceremonies, having performed regularly at venues throughout Massachusetts with my band, Henry Allen & the New Swingset, which included a number of excellent rotating musicians. I have also been a featured vocalist with The Cape Ann Big Band.
My journey has brought me to Europe, currently Extremadura, Spain.
