Description
Geri Allen Trio – Twenty One – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released in 1994, Geri Allen’s Twenty One is an exceptional jazz album that showcases the extraordinary talents of the pianist and composer, along with her stellar rhythm section consisting of Ron Carter on bass and Tony Williams on drums. Known for her innovative approach to jazz, Geri Allen blends tradition with modernism, and Twenty One is a perfect example of her ability to create music that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition while pushing the genre forward.
The album, which features a mix of original compositions and standards, highlights Allen’s versatility and her exceptional chemistry with two jazz legends. Ron Carter and Tony Williams were previously the rhythm section for the Miles Davis Quintet during the 1960s, making their contributions to Twenty One even more significant as they bring decades of experience and intuitive interplay to the trio. Together, the group delivers a sophisticated and engaging set of music that ranges from intricate, cerebral pieces to soulful, swinging tracks.
At the time of Twenty One’s release, Geri Allen was already recognized as one of the most forward-thinking pianists of her generation. She had worked with avant-garde giants like Ornette Coleman and Charles Lloyd, as well as being associated with the M-Base collective, which sought to expand the boundaries of jazz by incorporating elements of funk, rhythm, and blues. Allen’s ability to fuse tradition with modern, progressive elements made her one of the most exciting voices in jazz.
For Twenty One, Allen teamed up with two iconic figures: Ron Carter, whose work with the Miles Davis Quintet and countless other jazz greats made him one of the most sought-after bassists in the world, and Tony Williams, a revolutionary drummer whose aggressive, polyrhythmic approach to jazz drumming had forever changed the landscape of the genre. The chemistry between these three musicians is evident throughout the album, with each contributing to the whole while maintaining their distinct voices.
Twenty One is a piano trio album in the classic sense, but it’s marked by the exploratory spirit that Geri Allen brings to the music. The interplay between Allen, Carter, and Williams is at the heart of the album, with each musician responding to the others in real-time, creating a sound that is both cohesive and full of spontaneous energy. The trio strikes a perfect balance between introspective ballads, intricate compositions, and straight-ahead jazz numbers, all delivered with technical brilliance and emotional depth.
Allen’s playing on Twenty One is thoughtful, expressive, and deeply rooted in the jazz piano tradition, with shades of Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock influencing her approach. However, Allen’s unique style shines through as she deftly balances lyrical melodies with complex harmonic structures and rhythmic explorations. Tracks like “RTG” and “In the Morning (For Sister Leola)” showcase her range, moving from meditative, almost spiritual playing to more aggressive, rhythmically dense sections.
Carter’s bass playing is a masterclass in subtlety and swing. His melodic lines and harmonic support provide the perfect foundation for Allen’s explorations, while his solo work, particularly on tracks like “A Prayer for Peace” and “Feed the Fire,” demonstrates his ability to contribute not just as an accompanist but as a co-creator in the trio’s dialogue.
Williams’ presence on the album adds an edge and intensity to the music. Known for his innovative approach to rhythm and his ability to push the boundaries of time and meter, Williams brings a fiery energy to the more upbeat tracks while also showing restraint and sensitivity on the ballads. His driving rhythms and intricate cymbal work elevate songs like “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “Drummer’s Song” to new heights.
Twenty One covers a wide range of emotions and musical ideas, but at its core, the album is a deep exploration of the jazz tradition. Allen, Carter, and Williams each bring their own history and experiences to the music, resulting in a record that feels both rooted in jazz’s past and forward-looking at the same time.
Many of the tracks on Twenty One pay homage to the greats who came before, with Allen drawing inspiration from pianists like Bud Powell and Herbie Hancock. Tracks like “A Prayer for Peace” reflect a reverence for the spiritual and communal aspects of jazz, while “RTG” is a nod to the intricate bebop language that Allen so masterfully manipulates.
While rooted in the jazz tradition, Allen’s compositions also feel deeply personal. Songs like “In the Morning (For Sister Leola)” and “A Prayer for Peace” reflect a meditative, introspective side of her artistry, with emotional depth that transcends mere technical brilliance.
With Tony Williams behind the drums, Twenty One takes on a rhythmically adventurous quality. Williams pushes the tempo and meter in unexpected ways, challenging both Allen and Carter to respond, resulting in moments of dynamic interplay that feel spontaneous and fresh.
Notable Tracks
“RTG”: One of the album’s standout tracks, “RTG” is a fast-paced, hard-bop number that showcases the trio’s ability to lock in rhythmically while maintaining a sense of freedom. Allen’s piano lines are sharp and angular, and Williams’ drumming adds a frenetic energy that keeps the track moving forward with intensity.
“A Prayer for Peace”: This slower, meditative piece highlights Allen’s more lyrical side, with delicate piano work that is beautifully supported by Carter’s melodic basslines. The spiritual quality of the song creates a sense of calm and introspection, showing the trio’s ability to convey deep emotion without overwhelming the listener with technicality.
“No More Mr. Nice Guy”: A playful, swinging tune that features Williams’ sharp, propulsive drumming and Allen’s deft improvisation. The trio’s chemistry is on full display here, as they effortlessly trade musical ideas, building tension and releasing it with aplomb.
“In the Morning (For Sister Leola)”: A gorgeous, gospel-influenced ballad that showcases the sensitive interplay between the trio. Allen’s piano playing is soulful and expressive, and the song’s gentle pace allows for a deep sense of emotional expression.
“Drummer’s Song”: As the title suggests, this track gives Tony Williams room to shine, with intricate rhythms and tight grooves that push the boundaries of time. Allen and Carter provide a solid framework, allowing Williams to experiment and drive the song with his polyrhythmic mastery.
Twenty One was widely praised upon its release, with critics lauding the interplay between Geri Allen, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. The album was seen as a triumph for Allen, who was already recognized as one of the most innovative pianists of her generation. The trio’s ability to balance technical mastery with emotional depth made Twenty One a standout release in the jazz world, further cementing Allen’s place as a leading figure in contemporary jazz.
The album has since been considered a high point in Allen’s career, as well as a notable entry in the discographies of both Carter and Williams. The combination of these three jazz giants resulted in an album that feels timeless, offering listeners a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Twenty One is a masterful example of what can happen when three jazz greats come together with a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect. Geri Allen, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams create a sound that is both rooted in the jazz tradition and forward-thinking in its exploration of rhythm, melody, and harmony. The album’s balance of technical brilliance and emotional resonance makes it a standout in Allen’s discography and a must-listen for fans of piano trio jazz.
For those who appreciate jazz that pushes boundaries while staying connected to its roots, Twenty One offers a rich, rewarding listening experience that reveals more with each listen. It remains a testament to the talents of Geri Allen and her ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
RTG
If I Should Lose You
Drummer’s Song
Introspection / Thelonious Written-By – Thelonious Monk
A Beautiful Friendship
In The Morning (For Sister Leola)
Tea For Two
Lullaby Of The Leaves
Feed The Fire
Old Folks
A Place Of Power
In The Middle
