Allan Harris: The Poetry of Jazz

The Miami Herald aptly described Allan Harris’ gifts when it praised him for projecting “the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat ‘King' Cole.” Admired for his resonant baritone, graceful phrasing and natural way with a wide range of material, the Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based singer, guitarist and composer is a prized New York jazz and cabaret performer who’s equally commanding singing songs by Lerner and Loewe and Ahmad Jamal, Duke Ellington and Elton John. 

For this highly anticipated return to SFJAZZ, Harris presents this innovative show that reimagines literary masterpieces through his soulful vocals and powerful recitations. The repertoire features works spanning centuries and genres, from William Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Dylan Thomas to the poignant voices of Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. He is joined in this literary exploration by a superb band including guitarist Bruce Forman, bassist Marcus Shelby, and drummer Sylvia Cuenca.