2012 · Album
A Lovesome Thing
Recorded September 5, 2012, Jazz à la Villette, Paris · Motéma Music and Heartcore · Released: 2023
Two Voices in Conversation, Live in Paris
A straightforward encounter between two accomplished improvisers working through standards and originals.
A Lovesome Thing captures Geri Allen and Kurt Rosenwinkel in a live setting, recorded at Jazz à la Villette in Paris on September 5, 2012. The album pairs three jazz standards with two original compositions, which keeps things balanced — enough familiar territory to anchor the session, enough new material to show what these two musicians bring to the table. This is a document of a specific night rather than a polished studio statement, which means you get the energy and spontaneity of live playing along with whatever imperfections come with that.
Rosenwinkel's guitar and Allen's piano make for a natural pairing. Neither dominates; they listen to each other and trade space. The standards provide the scaffolding for conversation, and the original compositions let them stretch without worrying about how faithful they're being to someone else's tune. It's the kind of album that works best if you're interested in how two strong players interact when they're not competing for attention.
Catalog-wise, this sits as a specific moment rather than a defining entry for either artist. If you're already familiar with Allen's work or Rosenwinkel's recordings, this is a worthwhile addition — a live collaboration that shows both players in a relaxed, conversational mode. It's not the place to start if you're new to either musician, but it's solid and worth hearing if their work appeals to you.
