"Gary Allegretto is one of the classiest acts in
the music business today, working only with the best backup musicians
and taking the time to craft music noted not only for its quality but
for its authenticity...and what's best about his genuineness is its
completely offhand quality. If someone complains to you that they
don't make "real" blues records anymore - albums that sound like lost
classics yet retain the freshness of an individual - play (Gary's new
CD) Many Shades of Blue for them."
-Robert Fontenot, Blues Revue, June/July 2008
A
down-to-earth guy with lifelong wanderlust and more than a few stories
to tell, Gary Allegretto’s resume reads like a men's adventure
wish-list: back-country forest ranger, forest firefighter on a
"Hotshot" crew, LA city firefighter, bouncer in a couple rough
honky-tonks and a Blues bar, cowboy and ranch hand, beach lifeguard,
white-water rafting guide… and traveling Bluesman. He’s also the
founding director of Harmonikids, an organization that gives music
therapy with harmonicas to special needs kids worldwide. Through it
all, Gary can barely remember a time when Blues weren't a powerful part
of his life, and playing harmonica wasn't as natural as his own voice.
He started playing upon receiving his first harp at age 5 from his
woodsman grandfather. Soon after, while attending a cultural festival
he carelessly wandered away from his family… and into a Big Walter
Horton performance. As the loudspeakers blared something about a lost
child, he knew he’d found his calling… and he followed.
Down
the road, the self-taught Allegretto has performed on stages worldwide
and his music has been featured on film and television. His songs can
be found on the soundtrack of the national PBS television program
"Roadtrip Nation". Gary was recently filmed and interviewed for the
harmonica documentary film "Pocket Full Of Soul" (see
www.pocketfullofsoulmovie.com). He has performed nationally &
internationally either acoustically or with his all-star electric
back-up band. His captivating performances never fail to catch the
intrigue of his audiences, often including and prominent musicians and
occasionally celebrities. He has received awards for his harmonica
playing and is endorsed by Hohner, the world's top harmonica
manufacturer.
Renowned for his songwriting and versatile
technique, Allegretto has taught harmonica in prestigious workshops
including the Augusta Heritage Center's Blues Week, Telluride Blues
Camp, Riverfront Blues Festival, California Traditional Music Society's
Folk Festival, & John Gindick's Harmonica Jam Camp, the Folk
Alliance Conference and Stax Music Academy in Memphis. He is supported
as a Blues educator by the Blues Foundation's "Blues in The Schools"
program, and was invited to teach students in Memphis area schools as
part of the 2008 International Blues Challenge. In addition to his
captivating performances, Allegretto offers concert promoters the
unique option and opportunity to provide entertaining harmonica
workshops at their venues. Gary's workshops include new harmonicas
& lessons for folks of all ages and ability levels ~ a rare
opportunity to learn from a professional.
(SEE PRESS FOR WORKSHOP INFO)
Gary
is the founder and director of Harmonikids which is a 501(c)3 non
profit charitable organization that provides music therapy with
harmonicas and lessons to special needs children internationally.
Allegretto has provided aid to special needs children from the Tsunami
refugee camps of North Sumatra, Indonesia to the Katrina evacuee
trailer villages of Louisiana and many points in between. Harmonikids
has recieved widespread acclaim in the media including The Today Show,
Blues Revue, and Living Blues Magazines. For more information about his
unique charitable work visit www.harmonikids.org and see You Tube video
of his projects at:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=harmonikids&search_type=
Allegretto
recorded with 2005 Grammy Life-time Acheivement Award winner and Blues
legend Pinetop Perkins on Rich Del Grosso's Blues Music Award nominated
CD release. At the conclusion of the CD release gig Pinetop gave Gary
the ultimate personal endorsement exclaiming that he "can really blow
that harp!", and then as he left the stage he turned and deliberately
pointed directly to Gary saying "You keep the business going." In
Gary's words, "This was from an idol of mine, a legendary man who
played with Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, and many other
ultimate legends of the Blues. My heart stopped and I just said...yes
sir."
Allegretto's first CD release “Throwing Heat” has been
heralded by prominent blues critics, calling it refreshing, edgy, and
honest…with original writing and virtuoso performances that transcend
the blues stereotypes…a testimony to the “many shades of the blues”.
In
fact, Gary's remarkable new (2008) release of both electric and
acoustic original material is entitled "Many Shades of Blue". It
debuted at the top of the Blues Charts. As the title suggests, it's
all here: rockin', swampy, greasy, Piedmont ~ delivered with inspired
musicianship & engaging songs that tell stories ~ featuring
prominent artists including Ivan Neville, Janiva Magness, John Cephas
& Doug Macleod.
TESTIMONIALS AND PRESS REVIEWS:
["MANY SHADES OF BLUE" DEBUTED AT #11 ON THE LIVING BLUES RADIO CHARTS TOP 25 FOR JUNE '08!!!]
"That boy can really blow that harp!"
~ The Legendary Pinetop Perkins
"Harmonica
wrangler Gary Allegretto is one of the classiest acts in the music
business today, working only with the best backup musicians and taking
the time to craft music noted not only for its quality but for its
authenticity. Sure, he's a good-looking guy who aims for the ladies
with his electric band, the Sugar Daddys, but his solo gigs feel more
intimately honest, and what's best about his genuineness is its
completely offhand quality. If someone complains to you that they
don't make "real" blues records anymore - albums that sound like lost
classics yet retain the freshness of an individual - play Many Shades
of Blue for them.
Several tracks feature the guitar of John
Cephas backing up Allegretto's unselfconscious harp classicism. Ivan
Nevile & Janiva Magness guest on "Four Days Late," recorded at the
Neville Family's New Orleans studio. “Good To Go” is so St. Louis it
almost backs up into Chuck Berry’s coolerator, and Allegretto covers
Berry’s “Back to Memphis” as if to drive home the point. Hank Williams
“Mind Your Own Business” minus a boatload of twang is another surprise
detour, and “Bad Man” proves that Allegretto’s got Chicago pinned down
as well. Not to worry purists: You'll find plenty to love on the
originals “Somerset”, “Hurry Down Rounder”, “Saddle My Pony” and
“John's Kitchen Rag” all of which speak with the grace and clarity of
classic Piedmont music. If a solo release is a way to stick close to
home while demonstrating one's flexibility, Many Shades of Blue fits
the template."
~Robert Fontenot, Blues Revue, June/July 2008
"...A MASTERPIECE... ALL KILLER NO FILLER... the "blues world" has
produced only about 50 discs that made me wish I still had a radio
show, & Many Shades of Blue is one."
~John "Juke" Logan, Mocombo Records
"This
is honest music crafted from inspiration, talent, and skills, delivered
at a high level of accomplishment. I'm really impressed with the
maturity, facility, and depth in Gary's harp playing. He could sure
teach a lot of harp players about tone, phrasing, and getting the most
expression out of a very expressive instrument. His songwriting,
singing and arranging are very accomplished too. No wonder (Many Shades
of Blue) is being well received... Gary's music made me feel good, and
that's a very attractive quality."
~"Steady Rollin'" Bob Margolin, Renowned Bluesman and Columnist
"...
Gary Allegretto shines bright on this soulful program of down-to-earth
comfort... Allegretto sings with a natural storytelling appeal that’s
easy to understand. His harmonica gives the program a zest that
ensures magnetic forces. One listen and you’re under his spell. One
listen and his audience is sold on pure blues with a message that comes
from the heart." ~ Southland Blues Magazine, August 2008
"...
Allegretto is one of the best harp players you'll hear. In an instant
he can switch gears from smooth to sassy. The reeds jump at his
command! Don't miss a rare opportunity to see and hear this fine blues
veteran."
~ Rich Del Grosso, Blues Revue Magazine
"Gary,
you're a class act. You can really play both acoustic and electric.
This record (Many Shades of Blue) is done with real taste... Vocals are
good... the songwriting is quite good... a very enjoyable listen.
Congratulations and thank you."
~Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records
"To
simply call Gary Allegretto a bluesman would be a disservice. Gary's a
cleverly gifted songsmith with a wry sense of humor delivering every
song with smooth vocals and a master's harp. Expressive phrasing, tone
and attack ... this cat's got the goods!"
~The Blues Hound, 90.1 FM KPFT Houston
"I
have to admit, I didn’t know who Gary Allegretto was when his cd landed
on my doorstep. What I do know is that I will now never forget his
name. “Many Shades of Blue” (Big Fiore Records) is the title of the
great new disc by vocalist/harp player Gary Allegretto. 14 solid tracks
of pure electric and acoustic blues... This one shines all the way
through."
~Greg “Doc” Lefebre, 90.1 WGMC, Rochester, NY
Many
Shades of Blue is the perfect title for Gary Allegretto’s second CD.
This compilation has enormous variety and each song stands on its own
which makes the CD easy to listen to, over and over. Beginning with the
slinky “She Speaks to Me” which lays out Gary’s affair with the
harmonica all the way thru to John’s Kitchen Rag, a bad cut will not be
found on this album. His original lyrics tell many tales of his life
experience that well, you just want to hear about. Outstanding
musicianship and vocals from all who contributed! Well done, very well
done.
~Linda Kirschbaum, Houston Blues Society
"These 14
tracks leave no doubt, Gary Allegretto is a master harmonica player,
up there with guys like William Clarke, Mark Hummel or Charlie
Musselwhite. His technique is impressive and precise, but at the same
time his playing doesn't sound forced or "from the book". Harmonica is
just Gary Allegretto's natural voice. I was also impressed with the
songwriting - "Throwin Heat" is very clever. All this together with a
first class backing band (in-the-pocket rhythm section and fabulous
guitar) create an essential CD!"
~Blues DJ Przemek Draheim
"The Voice of the Blues" Radio Show, 92.8 FM
"Great songs, fat sound, real blues."
~Bernard Sellam, Radio DJ, 90.1 FM
“After
a lot of pleading we’ve convinced Gary Allegretto to not leave the
country just yet … with influences ranging from Sonny Terry to Sonny
Boy Williamson, … don’t miss this absolute dynamo.”
~The Basement, Sydney Australia
Gary
Allegretto and the Sugar Daddys - Really are "Throwin' Heat!" From the
title track all the way to the end, we couldn't find a rendition we
didn't enjoy!
The high energy of "Throwin' Heat" starts you off.
Then, "Wish I Was In Heaven Sittin' Down", done in a style reminiscent
of Phil Wiggins, let's you catch you breath. By the time you get to
"Blowin' Town" you're starting to think that this one has to be the
encore, (definitely one of the BEST tracks on the CD and worthy of fine
praise), but then he hits you with the last track, which is a real
treat; "Untrainable". That can only be described as WOW!
If you haven't heard Gary Allegretto, you're gonna want to hear this.
~John Francis, www.harphouse.com
Good energy…virtuostic harp performance…outstanding guitar…a solid band with an
honest, good old-timey feel. Very enjoyable.
(Review of Gary's CD "Throwin' Heat" )
~ Bruce Iglauer, President, Alligator Records
Allegetto
kicks hard…mixing up the roadhouse sound with refreshing country
blues…rocking…edgy…harmonica chops & guitar work shine brightly.
~Blues Revue Magazine.
Allegretto’s latest blues venture (Throwin’ Heat) has a smoky bar room feel, and the
Sugar Daddys provide a solid foundation for his homegrown vocal harmonica stylings.
~ Easy Reeding Magazine
"Every
time I play (Gary's CD) "Throwin' Heat" listener response is so great
that the phones light up like I was giving away hundred-dollar bills."
~Dennis Schaibly, Blues DJ, WWOZ, New Orleans
High energy, unpredictable, good old American shit-kickin’ Blues
~The Mammoth Herald
"If
you like blues that actually sounds like blues, the blues your mamma
and daddy might have been under the influence of when they slipped out
of that frat party and went for that fateful moonlight drive that ended
up in the conception of your oldest sibling, then bring your butts and
your better judgment, or at least good protection, down to see Gary
Allegretto and the Sugar Daddys!"
~ Darrell Hope
“The night that Gary & the Sugar Daddys played (the Mint) was the best party we had.”
~ Actor Bruce Willis
“I just want to get up & play some blues with you guys.”
~Prince
“Gary Allegretto is a GREAT harmonica player.”
~ Actor Harry Dean Stanton, guest hosting on ABC’s “In Concert”
"Gary Allegretto and his work are most worthy of support."
~ Actor Dan Aykroyd,
*[Allegretto's CD's "Many Shades of Blue" and "Throwin' Heat" are available for listen and/or purchase at
www.cdbaby.com]
**[Allegretto's
popular single release "Delawhere?" is available to Delawareans
exclusively at Berts (Concord Pike), Wonderland, Rainbow, and National
Stores in Newark, DE.]
Links
www.garyallegretto.com
www.harmonikids.org
