| The Life of a Song | |
| Type: | Album |
| Artist: | Geri Allen |
| Cover: | The Life of a Song (Geri Allen album).jpg |
| Released: | August 24, 2004 |
| Recorded: | January 16–17, 2004 |
| Studio: | Avatar Studio C, New York City |
| Genre: | Jazz |
| Length: | 65:23 |
| Label: | Telarc CD-83598 |
| Producer: | Elaine Martone & Geri Allen |
| Chronology: | Geri Allen |
| Prev Title: | The Gathering |
| Prev Year: | 1998 |
| Next Title: | Timeless Portraits and Dreams |
| Next Year: | 2006 |
The Life of a Song is an album by pianist Geri Allen, recorded in 2004 and released on the Telarc label.[1]
The album reunited Allen with drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Dave Holland; they had previously performed together on vocalist Betty Carter's live 1993 album, Feed the Fire.[2]
AllMusic stated: "This is a trio date that has all the elements: an indefatigable lyricism and honesty of emotion, as well as beautiful colors and deft, even uncanny engagements among the three principals. What a welcome return for Allen, who expertly displays she's been refining her chops and listening deeply to her Muse these past six years".[3] The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded it 4 stars, calling it "a graceful mixture of originals and standards that not only reference past performances but create a shimmering unity of sound that one can readily imagine hovering in the ether long after the record is over".[4]
JazzTimes stated: "Although Geri Allen's versions of standards are marvelously performed, it is her originals that distinguish The Life of a Song. She's writing fresh, distinctive songs that are made even better when performed by a master trio".[5]
All compositions by Geri Allen except as indicated