Storyteller by Marilyn Crispell Trio

15 Mar

Written by Glenn Astarita
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With her latest ECM Records effort, pianist/composer Marilyn Crispell’s craft truly parallels the mindset and mood, suggested by the album title, where vivid imagery sparkles radiantly. Bassist Mark Helias takes over for Gary Peacock here, while Paul Motian’s presence once again reemphasizes his importance to Ms Crispell’s ruminations. Ultimately, the music is characterized by semblances of flotation like qualities. On pieces such as "Flight of the Bluejay," the pianist alternates a hauntingly beautiful melody with free-form like flurries amid her associates’ oscillating metrics. Overall, this album rings a bit like a Bill Evans-ish dreamscape, coupled with open-ended, improvisation and a distinct touch of ambiance.

Ms Crispell’s mode of operating within the traditional jazz piano trio, format is interestingly left-of-center. However, the respective artists’ outwardly share a self-regulating plan of action via intuitive phrasings and superior technical artisanship. Nonetheless, this superb outing marks yet another milestone in Ms Crispell’s extensive recorded legacy. (Zealously recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Marilyn Crispell Trio
CD Title: Storyteller
Genre: Free Jazz / Avante Garde
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: ECM Records
Tracks: Wild Rose, Flight of the Bluejay, The Storyteller, Alone, Harmonic Line, Cosmology, Limbo, Play, The Sunflower, So Far, So Near
Musicians: Marilyn Crispell (piano), Mark Helias (bass), Paul Motian (drums)
Label Website: http://www.ecmrecords.com
Rating: Four Stars