Geri Allen
A Child Is Born
Motema Records
www.motema.com
By George W. Harris

One of the truly underappreciated voices in jazz, pianist Geri Allen
delivers a Christmas disc that has the mood and soul of the true
meaning of the season. Most of the material here has Allen giving solo
piano readings, with a handful of celeste, Rhodes and other keyboards
for good measure thrown in. The takes of traditional songs like “Angels
We Have Heard On High” and “We Three Kings” have a spaciousness and
dignified grace that is rarely touched upon by more glib interpreters.
A few vocals slip in as cameos, most notably on Allen’s own “Journey To
Bethlehem” and “Amazing Grace.” As sparkling as a collection of stars
over Bethlehem.