Geri Allen • Flying Toward the Sound
Motema Music MTM-52
Two 33-RPM 180 g LPs
Flying Toward the Sound is a collection of nine original solo piano compositions, inspired by the works of Cecil Taylor, McCoy Tyner, and Herbie Hancock. Although I find the music not quite to my taste (yet), I have no doubt that aficionados of those three artists will find much to like, and one can’t help but admire the skill and dexterity with which Allen plays.
Mastered by Soundsmith’s Peter Ledermann, the sound quality of this minimalist recording (a single pair of mics capturing the sound of the Fazioli grand pianos, I think), is very good. I especially like the way the final sustained note slowly disappears into the blackness on some of the tracks. The sound quality is further aided by the music being spread out over four sides, so if the music is your cup of tea, hesitate no longer!