What makes Flying Toward the Sound by Geri Allen notable?

This album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to jazz composition, earning Allen praise from various publications, including a feature in DownBeat magazine. Furthermore, it represents a significant contribution to contemporary jazz, merging traditional elements with modern sensibilities that resonate with both critics and listeners alike. Upon its release in 2010, 'Flying Toward the Sound' marked Geri Allen's return to the forefront of the jazz scene after a period of varied collaboration. This album followed her work on projects such as 'Timeless Portraits and Dreams' (2007) and showcased her evolution as a composer and pianist. It reflects her continued commitment to pushing boundaries in jazz while honoring its rich traditions.

Who is Flying Toward the Sound for?

Flying Toward the Sound works well if you're into deep contemplation and reflection, patient explorations of sound and evocative melodies for solitude.

How many songs are on Flying Toward the Sound?

Flying Toward the Sound has 9 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Flying Toward the Sound

Geri Allen · 2010

62 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and poetic exploration, where intricate melodies dance with deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Flying Toward the Sound — The title track embodies the album's thematic core, weaving together complex rhythms and emotive solos that invite listeners on a journey of sonic discovery.
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GOD's Ancient Sky — Spanning over 16 minutes, this piece showcases Allen's expansive vision, blending improvisation with structured composition to create a transcendent listening experience.
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Your Pure Self (Mother to Son) — This track stands out with its intimate narrative tone and lyrical depth, reflecting themes of legacy and connection that resonate throughout the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

deep contemplation and reflection
patient explorations of sound
evocative melodies for solitude
rich textures for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Upon its release in 2010, 'Flying Toward the Sound' marked Geri Allen's return to the forefront of the jazz scene after a period of varied collaboration. This album followed her work on projects such as 'Timeless Portraits and Dreams' (2007) and showcased her evolution as a composer and pianist. It reflects her continued commitment to pushing boundaries in jazz while honoring its rich traditions.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Terri Lyne Carrington· Jason Moran

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Your Pure Self (Mother to Son)

The lyrics shift from abstract reflections to direct advice offered from a mother to her son creates an emotional pivot in the song.

This transition not only deepens the personal connection but also contrasts with the earlier verses, highlighting the generational dialogue at the heart of the piece.

Tracklist

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

1 Flying Toward the Sound 6:04
2 Red Velvet in Winter 5:56
3 Dancing Mystic Poets at Midnight 4:25
4 GOD's Ancient Sky 16:06
5 Dancing Mystic Poets at Twylight 3:24
6 Faith Carriers of Life 7:00
7 Dancing Mystic Poets at Dawn 5:44
8 Flying Toward the Sound (reprise) 6:24
9 Your Pure Self (Mother to Son) 7:37

What to play next

Listen next

Geri Allen & Timeline Live

2010

Go back to

At This Time

2009

Full Geri Allen discography Artists like Geri Allen

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata