Etudes

Originally founded in 1979, Soul Note remains one of jazz's most venerated labels, celebrated for documenting timeless, adventurous music. Etudes brings together three visionary masters: bassist Charlie Haden (Ornette Coleman Quartet), drummer Paul Motian (Bill Evans Trio), and a rising 30-year-old pianist Geri Allen. Impressed by Allen's standout playing in Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra, Haden and Motian arranged this special studio session to showcase her extraordinary talents alongside their storied rhythm partnership. The result is a true musical democracy. The wide-ranging repertoire spans Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman" (recorded with Coleman approvingly in the studio), Herbie Nichols' swinging "Shuffle Montgomery," and brilliant original compositions from all three leaders-including Allen's "Dolphy's Dance," Haden's heartbreaking ballad "Sandino," and Motian's title track "Etude." With Haden and Motian floating the tempo and Allen crafting inventive, fearless solos, Etudes stands as a landmark piano trio session that feels as fresh and modern today as when it was recorded. Etudes will be reissued on CD and 180g One-Step Pressing Transparent Red/Black Vinyl LP (numbered & limited 1,000 pcs) as part of the Gems For Jazz Heads series in January 2027.