Geri Allen

A Child Is Born

Motema Music

Jackie Allen

Love Is Blue

A440 Music

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

Forever Lasting: Live in Tokyo

Planet Arts

James Carter Organ Trio

At the Crossroads

EmArcy Records

Sam Yahel

From Sun to Sun

Origin Records

GERI ALLEN

A Child Is Born

Motema Music

Geri Allen is a pianist with dazzling technique and a penchant for extended improvisational forays that keep the listener wondering where she might go next. Within the thematic context of Christmas standards and spirituals, “A Child Is Born” presents familiar tunes while allowing Allen to freely interpret them in her unique fashion, both on acoustic and electronic keyboards. Over the course of 14 tracks Allen pursues the muse in interesting solo piano explorations of traditional and untraditional holiday fare.

JACKIE ALLEN

Love Is Blue

A440 Music

Jackie Allen is a song stylist who deserves greater recognition. “Love Is Blue” is just one of nine Allen recordings on several labels. Released in 2004, this diverse collection of 11 tunes brilliantly showcases the singer’s subtly modulated voice, precise intonation and breathy, dusky delivery. The classic opener, “Lazy Afternoon,” is a perfect example, with Allen phrasing the summery, pastoral lyrics with sultry aplomb.

VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Forever Lasting: Live in Tokyo

Planet Arts

For its latest recording, the VJO traveled far afield. The dual-disc “Forever Lasting” documents a series of shows Nov. 26-28, 2010, at the Billboard Live Tokyo, just three months before the seismic natural disaster that struck Japan. Over the years, the orchestra has developed a deep relationship with its Japanese fans, who also are sophisticated students of the jazz art form. It has not gone unappreciated by the band, which annually tours Japan. This time they got it on tape, and it’s a doozy.

JAMES CARTER ORGAN TRIO

At the Crossroads

EmArcy Records

James Carter takes a conventional approach to the organ trio tradition with “At the Crossroads.” While he adds horns, guitars, percussion and vocals to some tracks, it remains largely a funky dialogue among the principles—multi-reed virtuoso Carter, organist Gerard Gibbs and drummer Leonard King Jr. Steeped in Motown R&B influences, Carter and company have produced a tasty slab of raucous swingers and soulful ballads.

SAME YAHEL

From Sun to Sun

Origin Records

Keyboardist Sam Yahel has never been a slave to convention. His credits as accompanist are formidable, but his versatility and originality is most appreciated on his recordings as a leader, half a dozen since his debut in 1998. “From Sun to Sun” is one of the strongest entries yet. Bassist Matt Penman and drummer Jochen Rueckert are sensitive and equal partners in creating Yahel’s unique sound tapestries.