Released 20 years ago
Timeless Portraits and Dreams
Geri Allen · 2006
62 min · 15 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of jazz harmonies infused with spiritual and cultural themes, showcasing intricate musicianship and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Oh Freedom — This opening track sets a reflective tone with its intertwining of jazz and spiritual motifs, capturing the essence of liberation that permeates the album.
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Our Lady (for Billie Holiday) — A poignant tribute to Billie Holiday, this track showcases Allen’s ability to blend emotional depth with technical prowess, embodying the spirit of jazz’s history.
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Lift Every Voice and Sing — This piece serves as a powerful anthem for unity and resilience, highlighting Allen's commitment to integrating cultural narratives within her music.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- soothing improvisation for relaxation
- introspective moments of reflection
- warm melodies for quiet evenings
- short pieces that invite replay
- evocative themes for personal exploration
Maybe skip if you
- need for high-energy tracks
- prefer straightforward, fast-paced music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Timeless Portraits and Dreams represents Geri Allen's exploration of blending jazz with elements of spirituality and social commentary. This album follows her notable works such as the acclaimed 1995 release, The Life of a Song, marking a continued evolution in her artistic expression during a period where she was also deeply engaged with educational initiatives in music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cassandra Wilson· Terri Lyne Carrington· Jason Moran
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Have a Dream
The song shifts from personal aspirations to broader societal hopes, invoking a collective sense of determination.
The transition from individual dreams to communal aspirations emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal journeys within the context of social change.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Oh Freedom 1:52
- 2 Melchezedik 7:06
- 3 Portraits and Dreams 2:27
- 4 Well Done 5:22
- 5 La Strada 4:21
- 6 I Have a Dream 2:23
- 7 Nearly 4:27
- 8 In Real Time 5:40
- 9 Embraceable You 2:48
- 10 Ah-Leu-Cha 4:51
- 11 Just for a Thrill 4:21
- 12 Our Lady (for Billie Holiday) 5:59
- 13 Timeless Portraits and Dreams 5:05
- 14 Portraits and Dreams (reprise) 1:38
Disc 2
- 1 Lift Every Voice and Sing 3:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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