Record Reviews

GERI ALLEN ~ TIMELESS PORTRAITS AND DREAMS TELARC 83645 (Barcode: 089408364525) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Every new release by Geri AllenFind albums by this artist is always a source of joy and this one does not disappoint as well. Allen’s delicate lyricism (often resembling Bill EvansFind albums by this artist) and fantastic technique go hand in hand with her highly developed sense of melody, producing jazz which is both melodic and intellectual. This album is quite different from her previous releases, as in addition to the piano trio format (here with veterans Ron CarterFind albums by this artist – bass and Jimmy CobbFind albums by this artist – drums) Allen uses several guests, including Wallace RoneyFind albums by this artist on trumpet, two vocalist and even a chorus. The reason for the presence of the vocalist becomes apparent when one realizes that Geri re-visits the gospel roots of jazz and brings them up to date as an integral part of her musical landscape. The performances are of course brilliant, as usual in her case, and the sound quality staggering (kudos to TelarcFind albums on this label again). I loved every moment of this and I’m pretty sure every serious jazz connoisseur will join me here. Includes bous CD single

Updated: 04/02/2026Posted:

CD 2 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend

TONY WILLIAMS ~ FOREIGN INTRIGUE BLUE NOTE 077774628921 (Barcode: 077774628921) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 Released: 1986 This is an album by the legendary American Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist, recorded in a sextet setting with trumpeter Wallace RoneyFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Donald HarrisonFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bobby HutchersonFind albums by this artist, pianist Mulgrew MillerFind albums by this artist and bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are original compositions by Williams. The album marks Williams’ return to mainstream Jazz, after his Fusion oriented period, which followed his stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. It also marks the return to to the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, which was the label that released his early albums twenty years earlier. This is the first of six albums he recorded for Blue Note between 1985 and 1992. The music is relatively conventional, but is of course updated and features Williams playing electronic drums in parallel to the usual acoustic set. The presence of drums is much more evident herein than on usual Jazz recordings, which of course is hardly surprising. The excellent team of top American Jazz musicians ensures that the performances are all top notch. Overall, this is an important document of the last decade of Williams’ recording activity, which preceded his tragically early demise in 1997. Considering the fact that he was one of the greatest Jazz drummers ever, every recording featuring his immense talent is of course a must.

Updated: 04/02/2026Posted: 04/02/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend