Geri Allen was particularly distinguished in her musical career for the sheer amount of other jazz greats that she played with. She had played or recorded with Ornette Coleman, Betty Carter, Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, Wallace Roney, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Cobb. If her playing wasn't enough to show how great she was, her history and association with all these individuals within the jazz community certainly solidified her into the jazz canon. Despite that, Geri Allen is not talked enough, nor is her music played enough. She was connecting the blues, bebop, avant-garde, and many other influences into her playing that opened the door for the next generation of musicians. Allen advocated for pushing boundaries and emphasizing the history and tradition of the African American roots that jazz is steeped in as well as calling attention to the women pianists such as Mary Lou Williams, Hazel Scott, and Terry Pollard who have been marginalized despite playing a great role in jazz history. Geri Allen emphasizes the importance of looking back at the past and taking the time to understand what came before, and honoring that by also innovating and taking new directions within music.