The Life of a Song (Geri Allen album) explained

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]

Reception

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]

Track listing

All compositions by Geri Allen except as indicated

  1. "LWB's House (The Remix)" - 5:52
  2. "Mounts and Mountains" - 8:05
  3. "Lush Life" (Billy Strayhorn) - 8:11
  4. "In Appreciation: A Celebration Song" - 6:09
  5. "The Experimental Movement" - 7:09
  6. "Holdin' Court" - 4:39
  7. "Dance of the Infidels" (Bud Powell) - 4:03
  8. "Unconditional Love" - 5:16
  9. "The Life of a Song" - 5:23
  10. "Black Bottom" - 4:29
  11. "Soul Eyes" (Mal Waldron) - 5:40

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. http://www.jazzdisco.org/geri-allen/catalog/#telarc-cd-83598 Geri Allen catalog
  2. Billboard . Jazz Notes . Ouellette . Dan . 10 July 2004 . Nielsen Business Media, Inc. . 16 . 0006-2510.
  3. Jurek, T., AllMusic Review accessed June 28, 2014
  4. Book: Cook, Richard. Richard Cook (journalist). Brian Morton. Brian Morton (Scottish writer). The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. 8th. The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2008. Penguin. London. 0141023279. 22. registration.
  5. Wynn, R., JazzTimes Review, September 2004