Crispell, Marilyn: Live in San Francisco

Album Description

Marilyn Crispell's captivating album, Live in San Francisco, is a masterful showcase of her prowess in the realm of free jazz and jazz. Released on 1 April 2011 via Music and Arts Programs of America, this 1 hour and 10 minute recording is a testament to Crispell's innovative spirit and technical brilliance.

The album's tracklist is a diverse and intriguing blend of original compositions and reinterpretations, featuring pieces such as Penumbra, Zipporah, and Composition No. 136, alongside unique takes on standards like When I Fall in Love and Ruby, My Dear. With each performance, Marilyn Crispell demonstrates her remarkable ability to balance spontaneity and structure, resulting in a truly immersive listening experience.

Throughout the album, Crispell's expressive playing and improvisational skills are on full display, navigating the complexities of free jazz with ease and nuance. From the intense, avant-garde explorations of Tromos and Misconception, to the more subdued, introspective moments of Dear Lord and Encore, Marilyn Crispell's Live in San Francisco is a compelling and deeply rewarding listen. With its rich textures and emotional depth, this album is sure to resonate with fans of jazz and adventurous music alike.

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.