The two-CD set Selected Works 1983-1986: Solo, Duo, Quartet is a reissue of three of Marilyn Crispell's records from the 1980s. Rhythms Hung in Undrawn Sky, a studio recording from May 1983, showcases the pianist solo; And Your Ivory Voice Sings comes from a 1985 session with drummer Doug James; finally, Quartet Improvisations, Paris 1986 also features bassist Marcio Mattos, violinist Didier Petit, and drummer Yoval Mincemacher. Therefore, this set offers a comprehensive look at the pianist's work during that period. She was still very much influenced by her mentor Cecil Taylor, although there was a feminine delicateness to her playing that made her unique. The solo material runs into frequent veins of jazz references, along with pockets of romanticism. The session with James is more playful ("On and Off the Beaten Track"), and contains a piece dedicated to Taylor ("And Your Ivory Voice Sings") along with a profound rendition of John Coltrane's "After the Rain." The 38-minute "Quartet Improvisations, Paris 1986" contains the freer moments of the set. Crispell had a tendency in those days to lose a bit of her distinctive personality in group settings, but the piece remains an interesting encounter, very powerful thanks mostly to Mattos, even though the fade-out at the end can be quite frustrating. Since all three LPs were long out of print, this two-CD set is a must-have for fans. - François Couture
Some of Crispell’s earlier steps are retraced on this Golden Years double CD, which collects together her first three LPs on the Leo label: the solo Rhythms Hung in Undrawn Sky (1983), And Your Ivory Voice Sings, a duo with percussionist Doug James (1985), and Quartet Improvisations, Paris 1986, with bassist Marcio Mattos, cellist Didier Petit and drummer Yovas Mincemacher. Rhythms has some nice moments (“Love,” “Song for Abdullah”), though Crispell can seem a touch garrulous at times and her later solo recordings show a more astute use of space and structure. The Paris concert comprises a single, continuous set, totally improvised, that by accident resembles concerto form. An opening of jostling statements and solos gives way to a brief yet effective slow section before Crispell’s leaping phrases spark a scintillating finale.
The real gem here is And Your Ivory Voice Sings, which exemplifies Crispell’s statement that “I love to play against rhythms, to play strong rhythms of my own against a strong rhythm.” James makes an ideal rhythm partner, adept, responsive yet robust where necessary; it’s a real shame he’s recorded so infrequently. Highlights are the homages to Crispell’s two main inspirations: the title track is a dashing celebration of Cecil Taylor’s speed and precision, while her loving treatment of Coltrane’s “After the Rain,” which evokes both the storm itself and the tremulous calm before and after, remains a tour de force of rapt, focused intensity. - Graham Lock
Tracks
Solo Piano
1-1. Archaic Visions Part I
1-2. Love
1-3. Rhythms Hung In Undrawn Sky
1-4. Song For Abdullah
1-5. Sadness
1-6. Archaic Visions Part II
Duo With Doug James
1-7. Element Air...Leap
1-8. Opium Dream Eyes
1-9. Minstrels
2-1. On And Off The Beaten Track
2-2. Song For Jeanne Lee
2-3. And Your Ivory Voice Sings (For Cecil Taylor)
2-4. After The Rain
Quartet with Marcio Mattos, Didier Petit, Yoval Mincemacher
2-5. Quartet Improvisations, Paris 1986
MARCIO MATTOS bass (2-5)
DIDIER PETIT cello (2-5)
DOUG JAMES drums (1-7 to 2-4)
YOVAL MINCEMACHER drums (2-5)
MARILYN CRISPELL piano
Music composed by Marilyn Crispell
Pieces 1-1 to 1-6 recorded at Soundscape, N.Y.C. 7th May, 1983
Pieces 1-7 to 2-4 recorded 7, 8, 9 March, 1985 at Woodstock Recording Studio, N.Y.
Quartet Improvisations recorded live at the Galerie Maximilien Guiol, Paris, 19 November 1986
Golden Years Of New Jazz – GY 11/12 (UK)