Live at the Village Vanguard cover

Live at the Village Vanguard

Geri Allen · 1991

62 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A deeply introspective live jazz set, blending complex improvisations with a spiritual undercurrent that resonates throughout the performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Prayer for Peace — This opening track sets a contemplative tone for the album, featuring haunting melodies that intertwine with intricate rhythms, showcasing Allen's depth as a composer.
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    In the Year of the Dragon — This piece highlights Allen's virtuosic piano technique and rich harmonic language, capturing the essence of her innovative approach to jazz improvisation.
  • →
    Vanguard Blues — With its groovy undertones and dynamic exchanges between musicians, this track exemplifies the vibrant live atmosphere of the Village Vanguard and Allen's ability to engage her audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and a cohesive live performance, making it rewarding for repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
  • Each piece transitions smoothly into the next, creating a continuous flow that enhances the live performance atmosphere.
  • The use of space and silence is prominent, with moments where the ensemble pauses to emphasize emotional weight before resuming complex interplay.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • spiritual undertones in improvisation
  • lengthy tracks for deep engagement
  • live performance ambiance and energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1991, Geri Allen had established herself as a significant voice in jazz following her debut album, 'The Gathering.' 'Live at the Village Vanguard' marks her first live recording and showcases her innovative approach to jazz, reinforcing her reputation in the genre while expanding her artistic expression through spontaneous collaboration.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 A Prayer for Peace 6:32
  • 2 Obtuse Angles 6:07
  • 3 It Should Have Happened a Long Time Ago 7:11
  • 4 For Turiya 1:01
  • 5 Fiasco 8:23
  • 6 In the Year of the Dragon 7:41
  • 7 Vanguard Blues 7:43
  • 8 Mumbo Jumbo 9:28
  • 9 Song for the Whales 7:59

What to play next

The Nurturer
Listen next

The Nurturer

1991
Segments
Go back to

Segments

1989
Full Geri Allen discography Artists like Geri Allen
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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata