Timeless Portraits And Dreams

Album Description

"Timeless Portraits and Dreams" is a captivating jazz album by the renowned pianist Geri Allen, released on August 22, 2006, under the Telarc label. This 58-minute journey through the realms of jazz and free jazz showcases Allen's virtuosity and her unique ability to blend various musical influences into a cohesive and engaging whole. The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Ron Carter on bass, Jimmy Cobb on drums, Wallace Rodney on trumpet and tenor sax, and vocalists George Shirley and Carmen Lundy, with additional support from the Atlanta Jazz Chorus. Recorded in New York over two days in March 2006, the album is a testament to Allen's artistic vision and her collaborators' exceptional talents.

The tracklist is a mix of original compositions and reinterpretations of classic jazz standards, demonstrating Allen's versatility and depth as a musician. Highlights include the spirited "Oh Freedom," the introspective "Portraits and Dreams," and the evocative "Our Lady (For Billie Holiday)." The album also features a delightful remake of Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha," infused with a touch of Bach's influence, and a gentle blues developed as a piano-bass conversation. With its rich tapestry of sounds and styles, "Timeless Portraits and Dreams" is a testament to Geri Allen's enduring legacy in the world of jazz.

August 22, 2006

℗ 2006 Telarc International, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc.

About Geri Allen

Geri Allen was a trailblazing figure in the world of jazz, renowned for her exceptional skills as a pianist, composer, and educator. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, and raised in Detroit, Allen began playing piano at the tender age of seven, quickly immersing herself in the rich jazz tradition of her hometown. Her musical journey led her to collaborate with some of the most influential figures in jazz, including Ornette Coleman, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams, among others.

Allen's discography is a testament to her versatility and innovation, spanning various styles within the jazz genre. Her debut album as a leader, "The Printmakers," released in 1985, is often hailed as a landmark in jazz history. Throughout her career, Allen received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Danish Jazzpar Prize in 1996, making her the first female winner of this international honor.

Beyond her musical achievements, Allen was deeply committed to education, sharing her knowledge and passion with students at institutions such as Howard University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pittsburgh. Her legacy endures as an inspiration to countless musicians and a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz.