For all that pianist Allen has achieved as a composer....

By Ed Enright

Geri Allen, Flying Toward

The Sound and Geri Allen & Timeline – Live (Motéma)

For all that pianist Allen has achieved as a composer, performer and scholar, these two new CD releases vividly document her boundless curiosity, innovation and commitment to growth in every aspect of her artistry. Flying Toward The Sound is a moving solo disc that features Allen playing a suite of compositions on a Fazioli piano; a blend of scored and improvised passages, her playing here is informed and inspired by modern piano giants Cecil Taylor, McCoy Tyner and Herbie Hancock.
 
When Allen tours the U.S. and abroad in support of the CD, she will share the stage with thematic film projections created by performance artist Carrie Mae Weems; a taste of the visual imagery from the live shows is included as enhanced content on the CD. The music on the companion release Geri Allen & Timeline – Live (Allen’s first live release) offers a completely different perspective. The Timeline band — which includes bassist Kenny Davis, drummer Kassa Overall and tap percussionist Maurice Chestnut — represents another facet of Allen in which she embraces elements of dance, rhythmic syncopation and intense band dialog.
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