Why this 2012 concert recording between the late pianist Geri Allen and guitar wonder Kurt Rosenwinkel has been under wraps for so long is beyond me. Both artists are caught in intriguing periods of there respective careers, with the guitarist on the throes of his Jupiter album and a year or two removed from his quartet with Mark Turner, while Ms. Allen had just released an album of Christmas Carols and hymns. Together, at the Philharmonie de Paris on September 5, 2012, wondrous interpretations of standards and an original each make for an inspiring evening.
The Billy Strayhorn title track is a dreamy and fluid interplay with the two conversing like longtime friends. Rosenwinkel is supple around Allen’s graceful strides on “Embraceable You” and he strums with elan before producing tensile single notes around Allen’s bluesy hues of “Ruby My Dear”. Rosenwinkel’s own “Simple” is peaceable and reflective, and he opens up Allen’s “Open Handed Reach” with some lyrical wonders. Allen, for her part, weaves in and around the guitarist, coaxing here, responding here, and always adding warmth. With 10 years of retrospection, this concert grows in importance.