Introduction
Twylight is Geri Allen’s pivotal solo album. It’s the follow-up to her acclaimed debut album, Shades of Blue, and it features a diverse array of songs that showcase Allen’s stunning vocal range and songwriting skills. This album is a must-have for any music lover, and it offers an insightful look into the life and work of one of today’s most influential musicians. So if you’re looking to explore some new music, be sure to check out Twylight.
Background of Twylight
Geri Allen is an American musician and singer-songwriter who released her first solo album in 2015. Her husband, drummer Tucker Martine, joined her for the album’s production.
Twylight is a jazz-influenced folk record that draws on folk, blues, and soul influences. In addition, it contains songs such as “Little White Dog” and “House Full of Ghosts.”
Allen first began playing music as a child; she started learning the guitar at age 12. She later attended Louisiana State University, where she studied jazz composition with Joe Zawinul and saxophone with Marsalis Shabaka. After college, Allen moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She played in various bands throughout the city before forming her band in 2013. In 2015, Twylight was released as Allen’s debut solo album.
Tracks on the Album
On Twylight, Geri Allen, drummer and bandleader extraordinaire, steps out from behind her drums to share 12 mesmerizing acoustic guitar work tracks. Recorded in just two days at the home studio of guitarist Bill Frisell, Twylight showcases Allen’s virtuosity as a singer-songwriter and pianist. Fans of Allen’s previous albums will be pleased to hear some new songs that reflect her singular musical voice, along with material from her acclaimed collaboration with Frisell on 2007’s The Laughing Apple.
The album opens with “A Better Place,” a beautifully written song about longing for peace and contentment. In “The Weight,” Allen reflects on the challenges of raising children in a world full of turmoil. “Only Child” is a reflective ballad about growing up feeling alone. “I’ll See You Inside” is an upbeat song about facing fear head-on. The album closes with an enchanting version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound Of Silence.”
Reaction to the Album
Geri Allen’s Twylight is an exploration of the jazz idiom and one that showcases her mastery of the instrument. Reviewers praised her chops and creativity; the album has earned accolades from JazzTimes and Downbeat magazine. In a recent interview with NPR, Allen comments on how the album came about: “I had started to experiment more with improvisation and composition in my quartet setting, which was great but I kind of missed playing solos.”
Working with producer Dave Douglas, Allen found a new level of confidence in her playing, resulting in some stunningly inventive music. So she set out to record an album of solo piano works inspired by classic jazz themes. The album features Joe Lovano and Roy Haynes’s guest appearances, adding their distinctive voices to the mix.
Future Plans for Twylight
Geri Allen is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music blends folk, blues, and country. After releasing her debut solo album in 2014, she’s set to release her second album in late 2017. In the meantime, Twylight – an acoustic EP comprising five tracks – was released in November 2016. Geri has announced plans for a full-length album titled Still Here in early 2018.
The upcoming Still Here album will diverge from Twylight, which primarily uses acoustic instruments with minimal arrangements. Electric guitars, drums, and a few electronic components will all be present on the upcoming record. According to Geri, she wanted to create an album that was more like her live performances. “I think people will be incredibly interested to hear it,”
Even though Twylight was released nearly two years ago, it’s still generating buzz among fans and critics alike, indicating significant potential for Still Here to exceed expectations. In addition to recording the new album, Geri is also planning a tour to support it. She’ll be playing shows across the U.S., Canada, and Europe in early 2018.
Conclusion
Twylight is Geri Allen’s pivotal solo album, showcasing her diverse musical influences in all their glory. From soulful jazz to country blues, Twylight has something for everyone. If you’re a fan of Geri Allen or want to check out some great music, pick up a copy of Twylight.
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