A Lovesome Thing
Motéma/Heartcore, 2023
9/10
The jazz legends Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel came together here for a set captured at the famed Philharmonie de Paris on September 5, 2012, and it pairs their guitar and piano playing with much care.
“A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing” starts the performance with Rosenwinkel’s radiant guitar alongside Allen’s graceful keys, where much atmosphere is present, and “Embraceable You” follows with light melodies populating the agile piano and warm guitar progressions.
Further along, “Simple #2” recruits waves of dreaminess from the firm piano and reflective tone of the guitar, while “Ruby My Dear” is a highly intimate moment, as the duo’s strong attention to detail emits a very pretty and rhythmic highlight.
The listen exits with “Open Handed Reach”, which has the keys and guitar meshing with emotion, grace and a timelessness that will always be relevant.
This is the only recording of Allen and Rosenwinkel, and it’s a wonderful tribute to the memory of Allen, who passed away before a proper studio recording could be done. It further illustrates their respective talents and compatibility that will never be paralleled.
Travels well with: Kurt Rosenwinkel- Stars Of Jupiter; Lucas Pino- Covers