Geri Allen, The Life of a Song, 2004

Life of a Song is Geri Allen's first recording under her own name in six long years. She teams with the rhythm section of bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, whom she worked with on the late Betty Carter's stellar live date Feed the Fire in 1993. Allen composed eight of the album's 11 cuts, and the covers include Bud Powell's "Dance of the Infidels," Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life," and Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes." This last selection is augmented by the participation of Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, saxophonist Dwight Andrews, and trombonist Clifton Anderson. The album's title reflects the depth of commitment to the song forms inherent in jazz. ~ Thom Jurek

Personnel
Geri Allen (piano), Dwight Andrews (saxophone), Dave Holland (double bass), Marcus Belgrave (flugelhorn), Clifton Anderson (trombone), Jack DeJohnette (drums)

Disc