What makes Twenty One by Geri Allen notable?

Upon its release, 'Twenty One' received positive reviews from critics and helped to further elevate Geri Allen's profile in the jazz community. The album showcases her unique style and has influenced many contemporary jazz pianists, contributing to discussions about female musicians in a traditionally male-dominated genre. It also aligns with a resurgence of interest in jazz improvisation during the early 90s. Released in 1994, 'Twenty One' was Geri Allen's third album, following her critically acclaimed release 'The Gathering.' At this point in her career, Allen was establishing herself as a leading voice in jazz, especially within the realms of bebop and avant-garde styles. This album solidified her reputation for combining traditional jazz elements with innovative approaches.

Who is Twenty One for?

Twenty One works well if you're into complex rhythms that invite engagement, emotive melodies for reflective moments and late-night listening with depth.

How many songs are on Twenty One?

Twenty One has 12 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Twenty One

Geri Allen · 1994

54 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of jazz improvisation and intricate harmonies showcasing Geri Allen's piano virtuosity and compositional prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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If I Should Lose You — This track demonstrates Allen's ability to infuse emotional depth into classic standards, showcasing both her technical skill and interpretive flair.
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In the Morning (For Sister Leola) — A tribute piece that blends personal narrative with rich melodies, reflecting Allen's introspective style and connection to her roots.
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Feed the Fire — An original composition that captures her dynamic range and innovative harmonic structures, serving as a centerpiece for the album’s artistic vision.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album balances strong compositions with skilled improvisation, maintaining a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

Each track is built around intricate piano melodies, often accompanied by subtle rhythmic shifts from the bass and drums.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

complex rhythms that invite engagement
emotive melodies for reflective moments
late-night listening with depth
intimate sessions with intricate piano

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1994, 'Twenty One' was Geri Allen's third album, following her critically acclaimed release 'The Gathering.' At this point in her career, Allen was establishing herself as a leading voice in jazz, especially within the realms of bebop and avant-garde styles. This album solidified her reputation for combining traditional jazz elements with innovative approaches.
Stylistic neighbors: Cassandra Wilson· Terri Lyne Carrington· Jason Moran

Tracklist

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

1 RTG 2:45
2 If I Should Lose You 4:36
3 Drummer’s Song 3:49
4 Introspection / Thelonious 4:35
5 A Beautiful Friendship 3:21
6 In the Morning (For Sister Leola) 6:09
7 Tea for Two 3:18
8 Lullaby of the Leaves 5:13
9 Feed the Fire 6:16
10 Old Folks 6:17
11 A Place of Power 3:16
12 In the Middle 4:25

What to play next

Listen next

Some Aspects of Water

1997

Go back to

Maroons

1992

Full Geri Allen discography Artists like Geri Allen

bebop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata