What makes After Appleby by Marilyn Crispell notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious structure, featuring extended compositions that showcase Crispell's innovative approach to jazz piano. Critics noted its influence on contemporary jazz, positioning Crispell as a vital voice in the evolution of the genre during the late 1990s and early 2000s. By the time 'After Appleby' was released in 2000, Marilyn Crispell had already established herself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene. This album followed her critically acclaimed work with the trio Circle and marked a period of further exploration into improvisation and personal expression in her music.

Who is After Appleby for?

After Appleby works well if you're into meditative sound exploration, gradual build to climax and long-form immersive experience.

How many songs are on After Appleby?

After Appleby has 11 tracks, running approximately 132 minutes.

After Appleby

Marilyn Crispell · 2000

132 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A sprawling, introspective journey through avant-garde jazz textures and emotive soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blue Star — This lengthy piece serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, weaving intricate melodies with deep improvisational moments that reflect Crispell's signature style.
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Where Heart Revive — At over 25 minutes, this track exemplifies the album's exploratory nature, blending delicate piano lines with rich harmonic textures that invite deep listening.
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Capnomantic Vortex — This expansive composition pushes boundaries with its complex rhythms and atmospheric elements, showcasing Crispell's ability to create immersive soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Crispell's innovative piano work and the album's ambitious structure create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions, with several tracks exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
The sequencing of tracks builds an emotional arc, starting with more chaotic pieces and transitioning to quieter, reflective moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

meditative sound exploration
gradual build to climax
long-form immersive experience
delicate piano motifs unfolding

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases ambitious structure and innovative approach, marking a high point in her discography.
Career context: By the time 'After Appleby' was released in 2000, Marilyn Crispell had already established herself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene. This album followed her critically acclaimed work with the trio Circle and marked a period of further exploration into improvisation and personal expression in her music.
Stylistic neighbors: Cecil Taylor· Paul Bley· Annette Peacock