"How to Turn the Moon" is a captivating duet album featuring the virtuosic pianism of Angelica Sanchez and Marilyn Crispell, released on October 2, 2020, via Pyroclastic Records. This collaborative effort marks the first time these two esteemed musicians have joined forces, blending their extensive experience in jazz and avant-garde music into a cohesive and mesmerizing whole.
The album spans a concise yet impactful 50 minutes, comprising ten intricate tracks that showcase the pianists' exceptional skill and artistic synergy. From the opening notes of "Lobe of the Fly" to the ethereal conclusion of "Fires in Space," Sanchez and Crispell weave a tapestry of sound that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply evocative.
Recorded at the renowned Nevessa Production in Woodstock, New York, "How to Turn the Moon" benefits from a pristine production that allows the pianists' interplay to shine. The album's title track, along with standouts like "Ancient Dream" and "Sullivan’s Universe," highlights the duo's ability to create a luminous and otherworldly atmosphere, drawing the audience into their shared musical universe.
Fans of free jazz and avant-garde music will find much to appreciate in this dynamic exchange between two of the genre's most respected figures. "How to Turn the Moon" is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of the piano as a vehicle for creative expression.