Jazz is a vast and wondrous universe, where creativity and tradition mingle and mingle, and where stars are born and shine. “A Lovesome Thing” is one of those stars, a dazzling gem that lights up the scene with its sublime synergy between Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel. This album, recorded live at the prestigious Philharmonie de Paris in 2012, is more than a bunch of tunes; it's a deep and heartfelt expression of the art and friendship of two musical giants.
From the opening bars of “A Lovesome Thing”, you can feel the magic in the air, as Allen's gentle fingers on the keys and Rosenwinkel's heavenly strings on the axe take you to a higher plane of musical bliss. It's a spellbinding trip, where the lines between improv and compo fade, and every note and melody speaks volumes of emotion and meaning.
Sadly, there is also a dark side to “A Lovesome Thing”. The premature departure of Geri Allen in 2017 cast a pall over the Jazz world, leaving a gap that only her music can fill. And yet, through this album, her spirit lives on, etched in each note and phrase, a timeless reminder of her lasting legacy and peerless genius.
Despite this tragic loss, in this work, Allen and Rosenwinkel display their amazing rapport and chops, spinning intricate musical webs that catch the mind and soul. Highlights like “Embraceable You” show their knack for reinventing Jazz classics; they demonstrate their talent and creativity, infusing each melody with a spark of adventure and discovery.
But it's in their own creations that Allen and Rosenwinkel really soar. Rosenwinkel's “Simple #2” is a lesson in modern jazz writing, mixing blues, bop, and cutting-edge harmony into a smooth and seamless sound. Allen's “Open-Handed Reach” is a touching homage to her late mentor and friend Billy Taylor, a hauntingly gorgeous ballad that reveals her unmatched skill as a composer and orchestrator.
The recording itself, captured in the crystal-clear acoustics of the Philharmonie de Paris, adds another dimension to the listening pleasure. Every fine detail, from the vibration of Allen's piano to the glimmer of Rosenwinkel's guitar, is perfectly rendered, bringing you right to the core of the performance.
To sum up, “A Lovesome Thing” is not just an album; it's a tribute to the power of music to transcend limits and connect souls. Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel have created a masterpiece that will touch listeners for ages to come, a fitting salute to their matchless talent, and the unbreakable bond they shared.
Keep listening, keep dreaming, keep swinging!