Henry 'Red' Allen: It Should Be You

After a brief cadenza, Allen launches into the first chorus of this 32-bar original (no bridge) accompanied by a righteous-sounding ensemble that evokes a gospel choir. Anchored by Fosters booming bass and Barabarins sly drumming (accenting at delightfully unexpected moments), this performance imparts a rolling ensemble sound reminiscent perhaps of Louis Armstrongs recording of Mahogany Hall Stomp. Higginbotham tackles the brisk 230 beats per minute with fire, articulating on the trombone as no otherfast and loudly without blasting. Allen presages bebop using frequent and deliberate off-chord tones, suggesting alternative harmonies. Also modern are his rhythmic alterations, particularly a dazzling episode of syncopation towards the end of his second solo. The unrelenting energy typical of this band and of this performance was well summed by Pops Foster: We really had a romping band.