Geri Allen - Timeless Portraits And Dreams (LP)

"Timeless Portraits and Dreams" is a captivating jazz album by the renowned pianist Geri Allen, released on August 22, 2006, under the Telarc label. This 58-minute journey through the realms of jazz and free jazz showcases Allen's virtuosity and her unique ability to blend various musical influences into a cohesive and engaging whole. The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Ron Carter on bass, Jimmy Cobb on drums, Wallace Rodney on trumpet and tenor sax, and vocalists George Shirley and Carmen Lundy, with additional support from the Atlanta Jazz Chorus. Recorded in New York over two days in March 2006, the album is a testament to Allen's artistic vision and her collaborators' exceptional talents.

The tracklist is a mix of original compositions and reinterpretations of classic jazz standards, demonstrating Allen's versatility and depth as a musician. Highlights include the spirited "Oh Freedom," the introspective "Portraits and Dreams," and the evocative "Our Lady (For Billie Holiday)." The album also features a delightful remake of Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha," infused with a touch of Bach's influence, and a gentle blues developed as a piano-bass conversation. With its rich tapestry of sounds and styles, "Timeless Portraits and Dreams" is a testament to Geri Allen's enduring legacy in the world of jazz.