This
is possibly pianist Geri Allen's most advanced release. Always a pianist with
her own voice, the increasingly original Allen performs three atmospheric piano
solos, including a version of Ron Carter's "Little Waltz," during
which she adds a little bit of synthesizer. There is a duet with percussionist
Cyro Baptista, two duets with altoist Ornette Coleman (who through the years
has almost never recorded as a sideman), and four numbers in which Allen is
joined by her husband trumpeter Wallace Roney (two of which also include
Baptista). Except for the Ornette pieces, Allen is the dominant force
throughout the intriguing set, which includes the very haunting "Windows
to the Soul" (dedicated to the recently departed drummer Tony Williams).
The music is mostly avant-garde, but purposeful and logical in its own fashion.
Well worth several listens. ~ Scott Yanow, AMG.
Blue
Note, 7243 8 38297 2 9, 1997
Recorded
1997
Personnel:
Geri
Allen - Piano, Synthesizer
Ornette
Coleman - Alto Saxophone
Wallace
Roney - Trumpet
Cyro
Baptista - Percussion
Tracks:
01.
Mother Wit {Geri Allen} (3:06)
02.
New Eyes Opening {Geri Allen} (5:37)
03.
Vertical Flowing {Geri Allen, Ornette Coleman} (5:27)
04.
M.O.P.E. {Geri Allen} (6:12)
05.
FMFMF [For My Family, For My Friends] {Geri Allen} (5:33)
06.
Dark Eyes (Geri Allen, Wallace Roney} (4:20)
07.
Little Waltz {Ron Carter} (6:11)
08.
In The Back Of Your Head {Geri Allen, Wallace Roney} (5:52)
09.
Windows To The Soul {Geri Allen} (5:11)
10.
The Eyes Have It {Geri Allen, Ornette Coleman} (7:23)
Credits:
Producer
- Geri Allen, Teo Macero, Herb Jordan
Executive
Producer - Hitoshi Namekata
Engineer
- Glen Kolotkin
Photography
- Jules Allen
Art Direction - Kaoru Taku