Allen's father, Maurice, was a big band drummer.[2] As a child, his father played records for him; these included recordings of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, which made a lasting impression.[2]
Allen was described by C. Michael Bailey as "the 'Frank Sinatra' of the tenor saxophone: a master interpreter of standards" in 2008.[4] Along with Scott Hamilton, Allen was considered by British critic Dave Gelly in 2004 to be one of the "finest exponents of swing tenor alive today" in a review of their album Heavy Juice.[5]
Discography
As leader/co-leaders
How Long Has This Been Going On? (Progressive, 1989)
The King (Nagel Heyer, 1994)
I'll Never Be the Same (Master Mix, 1994)
Blue Skies: Jazz Ballads from the 1930s to Today (John Marks, 1994)
Harry Allen Meets John Pizzarelli Trio with John Pizzarelli (BMG, 1996)
Tenors Anyone? (BMG, 1997) – recorded in 1996
Here's to Zoot (BMG, 1997)
The Music of the Trumpet Kings with Randy Sandke (Nagel-Heyer, 1997)
Day Dream with Tommy Flanagan (BMG/Novus, 1998)
Eu Nao Quero Dancar (I Won't Dance) (RCA Victor/BMG/Novus, 1998)
Harry Allen Plays Ellington Songs with The Bill Charlap Trio (RCA Victor, 2000) – recorded in 1999
Christmas in Swingtime (BMG, 2000)
Dreamer (BMG, 2001)
I Love Mancini (BMG, 2002)
I Can See Forever (BMG, 2002)
The Harry Allen Quartet (2003)
If Ever You Were Mine (BMG, 2003)
Plays The Hits of Stage & Screen with The John Pizzarelli Trio (BMG, 2004)