Dreamstruck

Marilyn Crispell's captivating album, Dreamstruck, is a masterful exploration of the free jazz and jazz genres. Released on 21 June 2019 via NotTwo, this 56-minute musical journey showcases Crispell's innovative and expressive approach to her craft.

The album's ten tracks, including 'My Song', 'Portrait', and the titular 'Dreamstruck', demonstrate Crispell's remarkable ability to weave complex melodies and harmonies into a cohesive and engaging whole. From the introspective 'Our Own Tea Leaves' to the vibrant 'Kalypso', each piece offers a unique perspective on the jazz tradition, while also pushing the boundaries of the genre.

With Dreamstruck, Marilyn Crispell invites listeners to immerse themselves in her rich and dynamic sound world, where the conventions of jazz are both honoured and transformed. The result is an album that is at once deeply personal and universally relatable, a testament to Crispell's skill and artistry as a musician and composer.

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.