Geri Allen's musical interests prove to be quite diverse in
Timeless Portraits and Dreams, delving into jazz, spirituals, sacred works and originals, accompanied by two of the most in-demand veterans, bassist
Ron Carter and drummer
Jimmy Cobb, throughout most of the release.
Allen''s stunning solo opener "Oh Freedom" segues directly into another fine work, "Melchezedek," which showcases both
Allen and
Carter in the solo spotlight, with wordless vocals by the
Atlanta Jazz Chorus adding background color. Singer
Carmen Lundy and the chorus are on hand for the spirit-filled "Well Done" and
Allen's gorgeous ballad "Timeless Portraits and Dreams." Other vocal tracks include two features for tenor George Shirley, including "I Have a Dream" (from
Mary Lou's Mass composed by
Mary Lou Williams after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and a vigorous treatment of the piece considered as the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Trumpeter
Wallace Roney (
Allen's husband) smolders in
Allen's tasty post-bop vehicle "In Real Time" and makes a belated entrance in the tense, strident tribute "Our Lady (For Billie Holiday)."
Allen throws the listener a curve with her well-disguised introduction to the trio arrangement of
Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha" and uncovers a neglected gem in Lil Hardin Armstrong's ballad "Just for a Thrill." While some jazz fans may prefer to hear
Geri Allen in a strictly instrumental setting, they will miss out if they fail to investigate these stimulating sessions. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden