Montclair-based pianist Geri Allen is an artist whose style reflects Cecil Taylor, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner, as well as her “inspirational mentor,” the legendary Mary Lou Williams. In addition to collaborating with virtually every jazz artist on the planet and making over 20 albums, she is also a composer, scholar, and teacher, and is currently a faculty Professor at the University of Michigan. Her latest CD is 2011’s A Child is Born, a solo album that features a collection of traditional and original Christmas music. The other members of her trio include the bassist Kenny Davis and the drummer Kassa Overall.