What makes Eyes… in the Back of Your Head by Geri Allen notable?

This album is significant for its bold blend of jazz styles and its exploration of personal and cultural themes, earning critical acclaim from outlets such as DownBeat and The New York Times. It showcases Allen's unique ability to bridge traditional jazz with contemporary influences, impacting future generations of musicians within the genre. Released in 1997, Eyes… in the Back of Your Head marked Geri Allen's transition into a more experimental phase following her earlier work like 1995’s Maroons. By this time, Allen had gained recognition as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for her innovative approach to piano and composition.

Who is Eyes… in the Back of Your Head for?

Eyes… in the Back of Your Head works well if you're into evocative rhythms for deep listening, introspective moments of reflection and rich textures for attentive focus.

How many songs are on Eyes… in the Back of Your Head?

Eyes… in the Back of Your Head has 10 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Eyes… in the Back of Your Head

Geri Allen · 1997

54 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of jazz that intertwines complex rhythms with soulful melodies and deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mother Wit — The album opener sets the tone with its intricate rhythms and lyrical piano lines, showcasing Allen's virtuosity and emotional depth right from the start.
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FMFMF (For My Family, for My Friends) — This track features a reflective quality, blending personal narrative with expansive improvisation that encapsulates the album’s thematic essence of connection and community.
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In the Back of Your Head — The title track offers a haunting yet beautiful exploration of introspection, showcasing Allen’s ability to weave complex harmonies within an evocative framework.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

evocative rhythms for deep listening
introspective moments of reflection
rich textures for attentive focus
circular motifs inviting replay
immersive soundscapes for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1997, Eyes… in the Back of Your Head marked Geri Allen's transition into a more experimental phase following her earlier work like 1995’s Maroons. By this time, Allen had gained recognition as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for her innovative approach to piano and composition.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Terri Lyne Carrington· Jason Moran

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Mother Wit 3:05
2 New Eyes Opening 5:37
3 Vertical Flowing 5:27
4 M.O.P.E. 6:11
5 FMFMF (For My Family, for My Friends) 5:34
6 Dark Eyes 4:20
7 Little Waltz 6:11
8 In the Back of Your Head 5:52
9 Windows to the Soul 5:11
10 The Eyes Have It 7:23

What to play next

Listen next

The Gathering

1998

Go back to

Some Aspects of Water

1997

Full Geri Allen discography Artists like Geri Allen

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata