US Pianist and Educator Geri Allen dies aged 60

American pianist Geri Allen has died from cancer at the age of 60; the news was announced on Wednesday through her official social media channels. Allen was a pioneer in jazz and soul – she played alongside Ornette Coleman, Ron Carter, The Supremes and Wayne Shorter. She directed jazz studies at the University of Pittsburgh, and often spoke about the importance of promoting women players and arrangers.

Many artists took to twitter to pay tribute: Bassist Christian McBride wrote “One of the most brilliant, creative artists of our time has transitioned. RIP”, while pianist Kenny Barron tweeted “The world has lost an incredible human being. #GeriAllen was fearless & at the same time so focused. She is a giant & will be sorely missed”

Jazz FM’s Jez Nelson said: "Geri Allen was a link between the great traditions of Afro-American music and the modern stylings... when she played you could absolutely hear the music of Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and of her home town of Detroit but at the same time she was a part of the modern age, acting as a bridge to players like Jason Moran and even Robert Glasper. She was a brilliantly energetic, lyrical and soulful player.”