Segments
Geri Allen · 1989
48 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of intricate jazz arrangements and emotive improvisation, showcasing Geri Allen's virtuosic piano skills.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cabala / Drum Music — This track features a dynamic interplay between piano and percussion, highlighting Allen's experimental tendencies and rhythmic complexity, making it a standout representation of her artistic vision.
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La Pasionaria — An expansive piece that showcases Allen's ability to weave narrative through music, blending lyrical melodies with intricate harmonies that reflect the essence of her cultural influences.
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You’ll Never Know — This track highlights Allen's emotive playing style and rich harmonic sensibilities, creating a deeply personal interpretation that resonates with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalSegments highlights Geri Allen's innovative compositions and improvisational skills, establishing her unique voice in jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track showcases Geri Allen's piano improvisation, often extending beyond traditional jazz forms into more avant-garde territory.
- The interplay between the piano and the accompanying instruments creates a dynamic conversation rather than a straightforward melody.
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected pauses and tempo changes, which challenge the listener's expectations.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- intricate rhythms for attentive listeners
- soulful improvisations invite deep reflection
- lengthy tracks encourage immersive experience
- dynamic shifts keep engagement high
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of quick gratification
- prefer straightforward, short tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Segments marked Geri Allen's first studio album as a bandleader, following her collaborations with prominent artists like Ornette Coleman. This album established her distinctive style within the jazz genre and highlighted her innovative approach to composition and performance.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cassandra Wilson· Terri Lyne Carrington· Jason Moran
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You’ll Never Know
The composition shifts from melancholic introspection to a soaring climax, embodying the tension between vulnerability and strength.
This structural shift encapsulates the emotional journey of the piece, emphasizing the contrast between moments of quiet reflection and powerful expression.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Law Years 5:46
- 2 You’ll Never Know 5:00
- 3 Marmaduke 4:42
- 4 Cabala / Drum Music 7:39
- 5 Home 1:30
- 6 I’m All Smiles 6:02
- 7 Segment 4:26
- 8 La Pasionaria 9:25
- 9 Rain 3:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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