Is Azure a good place to start with Marilyn Crispell?

Yes, Azure is recommended as a starting point for new Marilyn Crispell listeners. A contemplative exploration of sound, merging intricate piano melodies with free jazz improvisation in an atmospheric setting. By 2013, Marilyn Crispell had established herself as a prominent figure in avant-garde jazz, previously collaborating with legends like Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor. 'Azure' represents her continued evolution in the genre, following her acclaimed album 'Amaryllis' released in 2012, further solidifying her voice within contemporary jazz.

Azure works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts, contemplative exploration of themes and intimate moments of improvisation.

How many songs are on Azure?

Azure has 11 tracks, running approximately 59 minutes.

Azure

Marilyn Crispell · 2013

59 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A contemplative exploration of sound, merging intricate piano melodies with free jazz improvisation in an atmospheric setting.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Patterns Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Goodbye — This track encapsulates the album's emotional core, with flowing melodies that shift between melancholy and hope, demonstrating Crispell's command over the piano.
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Waltz After David M — The piece features intricate counterpoint and rhythmic playfulness, embodying the essence of jazz improvisation while paying homage to traditional forms.
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Lullaby — Here, Crispell crafts a soothing atmosphere through gentle dynamics and lyrical phrasing, inviting listeners into a meditative space that contrasts with more intense pieces on the album.
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Azure — The title track showcases a delicate balance between structure and freedom, highlighting Crispell's ability to weave complex harmonies within an expansive sonic landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Crispell's intricate compositions and improvisational depth create a distinctive sound within the modern jazz landscape.

What we noticed

Several tracks, such as 'Bass Solo' and 'Piano Solo', focus on individual instruments, allowing for extended improvisational passages.
The pacing is contemplative, with many pieces gradually building in intensity before receding into quieter moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
contemplative exploration of themes
intimate moments of improvisation
delicate piano motifs throughout
reflective listening for quiet spaces

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic music
seek structured formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases innovative composition and improvisation, marking an artistic high point.
Themes: piano improvisation· meditative soundscapes· free jazz exploration
Career context: By 2013, Marilyn Crispell had established herself as a prominent figure in avant-garde jazz, previously collaborating with legends like Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor. 'Azure' represents her continued evolution in the genre, following her acclaimed album 'Amaryllis' released in 2012, further solidifying her voice within contemporary jazz.
Stylistic neighbors: Cecil Taylor· Paul Bley· Annette Peacock