The Life of a Song is an album by pianist Geri Allen, recorded in 2004 and released on the Telarc label.Geri Allen catalog, accessed June 29, 2014
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 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".Jurek, T., AllMusic Review accessed June 28, 2014 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".Wynn, R., JazzTimes Review, September 2004
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 Geri Allen - piano Dave Holland - bass Jack DeJohnette - drums Marcus Belgrave - flugelhorn (track 11) Dwight Andrews - saxophone (track 11) Clifton Anderson - trombone (track 11)
References