Lee Allen: 'Walkin with Mr. Lee'

Like many rock fans my age, I didn't start paying attention to R&B saxophone great Lee Allen until I saw his credit on a Blasters album in the early '80s. If I'd been paying attention, I'd have known that Allen's saxophone added several flavors to Little Richard's "Tutti Fruitti." I also would have found Allen's credits on albums by Huey "Piano" Smith, T-Bone Walker, Lloyd Price, Big Joe Turner, Buddy Miles, Professor Longhair and many other legends.

I pulled out "Walkin' with Mr. Lee" last night while I was bummin' that the flu kept me from seeing Dave Alvin, one of Allen's proteges, in Chicago. The album me feel a hell of a lot better.

Allen played meaty notes that rivaled those played by saxophonists Earl Bostic and Joe Houston; songs such as "Walkin' with Mr. Lee," "Short Circuit" and "Boppin' at the Hop" provide a tasty blend of New Orleans R&B and early rock 'n' roll. Allen had major jazz chops, too. "Teen Dream," for example, sounds like it came straight off a Ben Webster album.

I wish my copy of "Walkin' with Mr. Lee," a Collectibles reissue, had better liner notes because I'd love to know who accompanied Allen on the organ — they make a potent combo — but I should just be thankful the album's still in print. You should be, too.

Here's a taste of Lee Allen playing saxophone with Champion Jack Dupree: