In Motion

Album Description

Dive into the spontaneous and captivating world of "In Motion," a 2016 release from the esteemed pianist Marilyn Crispell, alongside bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Richard Poole. This free jazz album, released on Intakt Records, is a testament to the trio's exceptional rapport and improvisational prowess, captured live at Nevessa Productions in Woodstock.

"In Motion" spans 10 tracks, each a unique exploration of the jazz idiom, from the contemplative "Ahzân" to the dynamic "Backseat of the Galaxy." The album's 58-minute duration is filled with moments of introspective beauty and exhilarating energy, showcasing the trio's ability to navigate complex compositions with ease and grace. Crispell's piano work is a standout, her melodic contours and rhythmic intricacies weaving seamlessly with Peacock's bass and Poole's drums.

The album's genres, free jazz and jazz, are represented in full force, with each track offering a fresh perspective on these styles. Whether the trio is ruminating on attenuated melodic contours or charging through jagged motives, their interplay is always engaging and innovative. "In Motion" is not just an album; it's an experience, a journey through the boundless possibilities of improvised music.

March 15, 2016

2016 Intakt Records

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.