Vignettes

Album Description

Marilyn Crispell's "Vignettes," released on ECM Records in April 2008, is a captivating solo piano journey into the realms of free jazz and avant-garde improvisation. This album marks Crispell's debut as an unaccompanied soloist for ECM, showcasing her extraordinary talent and innovative approach to the piano.

Comprising 17 pieces, including seven titled "Vignette," the album offers a diverse and intricate exploration of sound and texture. Tracks like "Valse Triste" and "Ballade" reveal Crispell's ability to blend classical influences with modern jazz, creating a unique and engaging listening experience. The longer pieces, such as "Cuida Tu Espíritu" and "Gathering Light," demonstrate her prowess in developing complex, evolving compositions that captivate the listener's attention.

Recorded in April 2007 and released later that same year, "Vignettes" is a testament to Crispell's artistic maturity and her ability to push the boundaries of jazz piano. The album's duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes provides ample space for Crispell to explore a wide range of emotions and musical ideas, from the delicate and introspective to the bold and dynamic.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Marilyn Crispell or a newcomer to her work, "Vignettes" offers a compelling and rewarding exploration of contemporary jazz piano. With its rich tapestry of sounds and textures, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire further exploration of Crispell's remarkable body of work.

April 15, 2008

℗ 2008 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

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.