___ Allen, jazz pianist

GERI

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"This first name belongs to a female jazz artist known for her work in the 20th and 21st centuries.\"*\n\nThis hint narrows the focus to a female jazz musician, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some knowledge of jazz history. It avoids giving away the answer directly but provides a useful nudge."]

The clue "___ Allen, jazz pianist" leads to the answer "GERI" through a straightforward fill-in-the-blank reference to a well-known jazz pianist. Here's the breakdown: 1. **Direct Reference**: The clue is asking for the first name of a jazz pianist with the last name "Allen." The most prominent jazz pianist with this surname is Geri Allen, a celebrated American jazz musician and composer. 2. **Wordplay/Structure**: The clue uses a simple fill-in-the-blank format, where the blank represents the first name of the individual. There is no additional wordplay, pun, or hidden meaning—it’s a direct reference to a notable figure in jazz. 3. **Cultural Context**: Geri Allen (1957–2017) was a highly respected jazz pianist known for her innovative work in the genre. Her name would be familiar to jazz enthusiasts, making this a fair clue for those with knowledge of jazz history. In summary, the answer "GERI" fits because it completes the name of the jazz pianist Geri Allen, with no additional wordplay involved.