Crispell, Marilyn: Contrasts

Album Description

Marilyn Crispell's captivating album, Contrasts, is a masterful exploration of the jazz genre, blending free jazz elements with traditional jazz sensibilities. Released on 1 April 2011 through Music and Arts Programs of America, this 1 hour and 9 minute musical journey showcases Crispell's exceptional skill as a pianist and arranger.

The album's tracklist is a testament to Crispell's versatility, featuring an array of original compositions and thoughtful arrangements of beloved jazz standards. From the intricate nuances of 'Gesture Without Plot' to the poignant beauty of 'Ruthie's Song' and 'Time Remembered', each piece demonstrates Crispell's profound understanding of the jazz idiom.

With tracks like 'Dancing' and 'Starshine', Crispell's playing is characterised by its expressive depth and technical brilliance, while 'Cousin Judi' and 'Little Chiquita' showcase her ability to craft memorable, singable melodies. The album's arrangements of 'Turn Out the Stars' and 'The Night has a Thousand Eyes' are equally impressive, highlighting Crispell's talent for reimagining classic jazz pieces in innovative and exciting ways.

Throughout Contrasts, Marilyn Crispell's passion for jazz shines brightly, resulting in an album that is both a tribute to the genre's rich heritage and a bold statement of her own unique artistic vision. Fans of free jazz and traditional jazz alike will find much to appreciate in this outstanding collection of music, which is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.

April 1, 2011

2011 Music and Arts Programs of America

About Marilyn Crispell

Marilyn Crispell is a pioneering force in the world of free jazz, renowned for her powerful and distinctive piano playing. Born in Philadelphia in 1947, Crispell's journey into jazz began in her late 20s when she discovered John Coltrane's music, setting her on a path to become one of the genre's most original and sought-after pianists. Her style, influenced by the likes of Coltrane and Cecil Taylor, is uniquely her own, characterized by a masterful use of space and an adventurous spirit that continually pushes boundaries.

Crispell's career is marked by her extensive work as a soloist and bandleader, as well as her collaborations with legendary figures such as saxophonist Anthony Braxton, with whom she performed in the 1980s and '90s. Her compositions and performances are known for their evocative and disciplined style, often described as akin to monitoring an active volcano, with a dynamic range that challenges and captivates. Crispell's contributions to the jazz world have been recognized with the prestigious NEA Jazz Master award, cementing her status as a true innovator in the realm of avant-garde jazz.