LATEST CUSTOMER REVIEW (more listed below):
"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
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
Torun, Poland
GARY ALLEGRETTO'S BIO ~
"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 ...a good-looking guy who aims for the ladies with his electric band, the Sugar Daddys... intimately honest, and what's best about his genuineness is its completely offhand quality." ~ Blues Revue Magazine
Gary Allegretto can't rermember a time when Blues weren't a powerful part of his life, and playing harmonica wasn't as natural as his own voice. Singer, songwriter and harmonica virtuoso, Allegretto has performed on stages worldwide, numerous television shows and his music has been featured on the soundtracks of films and commercials. His songs are recently featured in the soundtrack of the national PBS television program "Roadtrip Nation". Gary was recently filmed and interviewed for the upcoming 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 versatile technique, Allegretto has taught harmonica in prestigious workshops including the 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 a Blues educator in 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.
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.
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 own 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".
Check out Gary's new release in 2008 "Many Shades of Blue" featuring original songs with special guest artists such as Ivan Neville, Blues Award winner Janiva Magness, and world-renowned Bluesmen John Cephas and Doug Macleod.
TESTIMONIALS FOR GARY & "THROWIN' HEAT":
"That boy can really blow that harp!"
~ The Legendary Pinetop Perkins
"... 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
"Throwin' Heat is creatively clever, insightful & funny."
~The Blues Hound, 90.1 FM, KPFT, Houston, TX
“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.
~ 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
"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 (check out) GARY ALLEGRETTO AND THE SUGAR DADDYS!"
~ Darrell Hope
*VISIT http://cdbaby.com/cd/garyallegretto FOR GARY'S CD "MANY SHADES OF BLUE"
*VISIT GARY'S WEBSITE (WWW.GARYALLEGRETTO.COM) FOR A COMPLETE PRESS KIT AND MORE INFO.
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