Released August 24, 2004 | Length 65:23 Release date 24 August 2004 | |
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Recorded January 16 & 17, 2004Avatar Studios, Studio C, NYC Label Telarc International Corporation Similar Geri Allen albums, Jazz albums | ||
The Life of a Song is an album by pianist Geri Allen recorded in 2004 and released on the Telarc label.
Contents
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.
Reception
Allmusic awarded the album 4 stars stating "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". 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".
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".
Track listing
All compositions by Geri Allen except as indicated
- "LWB's House (The Remix)" - 5:52
- "Mounts and Mountains" - 8:05
- "Lush Life" (Billy Strayhorn) - 8:11
- "In Appreciation: A Celebration Song" - 6:09
- "The Experimental Movement" - 7:09
- "Holdin' Court" - 4:39
- "Dance of the Infidels" (Bud Powell) - 4:03
- "Unconditional Love" - 5:16
- "The Life of a Song" - 5:23
- "Black Bottom" - 4:29
- "Soul Eyes" (Mal Waldron) - 5:40
Personnel
Songs
1LWB's House (The Remix)Dave Holland - Jack DeJohnette5:55
2Mounts and MountainsDave Holland - Jack DeJohnette8:08
3Lush LifeDave Holland - Jack DeJohnette8:15