The Life of a Song (Geri Allen album)

The Life of a Song is an album by pianist Geri Allen recorded in 2004 and released on the Telarc label.[1]

The Life of a Song
Studio album by
Geri Allen
ReleasedAugust 24, 2004
RecordedJanuary 16 & 17, 2004
Avatar Studios, Studio C, NYC
GenreJazz
Length65:23
LabelTelarc CD-83598
ProducerElaine Martone & Geri Allen
Geri Allen chronology
The Gathering
(1998)		 The Life of a Song
(2004)		 Timeless Portraits and Dreams
(2006)

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
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[3]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz[4]

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".[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

References
  1. Geri Allen catalog, accessed June 29, 2014
  2. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (10 July 2004). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 16–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  3. Jurek, T., Allmusic Review accessed June 28, 2014
  4. Cook, Richard; Brian Morton (2008). The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. The Penguin Guide to Jazz (8th ed.). London: Penguin. pp. 22. ISBN 0141023279.
  5. Wynn, R., JazzTimes Review, September 2004
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