Is For Coltrane a good place to start with Marilyn Crispell?

Yes, For Coltrane is recommended as a starting point for new Marilyn Crispell listeners. A contemplative tribute blending free jazz improvisation with spiritual depth, echoing the legacy of John Coltrane. Released in 1993, For Coltrane marked Marilyn Crispell's deepening exploration into avant-garde jazz after her earlier work with the Anthony Braxton Quartet. This album positioned her as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, showcasing her unique voice and artistry in an homage to Coltrane's influence.

Who is For Coltrane for?

For Coltrane works well if you're into meditative exploration of sound, gradual build to reflective conclusion and intimate homage to coltrane.

How many songs are on For Coltrane?

For Coltrane has 7 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

For Coltrane

Marilyn Crispell · 1993

44 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A contemplative tribute blending free jazz improvisation with spiritual depth, echoing the legacy of John Coltrane.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dear Lord Start here — This opening track sets a meditative tone, featuring Crispell’s nuanced piano work that captures the essence of spirituality found in Coltrane's music.
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Collage for Coltrane I — The first piece in a series dedicated to Coltrane, it showcases Crispell's innovative interplay with silence and sound, reflecting a deep homage to Coltrane’s spirit.
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After the Rain — Closing the album with a lengthy exploration, this track exemplifies emotional depth and improvisational freedom, resonating with Coltrane's own explorations of transcendence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Crispell's intricate improvisation and thematic exploration create a compelling tribute to Coltrane.

What we noticed

The album features a series of extended improvisations, with each track exploring different themes and moods without a strict adherence to traditional song structures.
The three 'Collage for Coltrane' tracks are interconnected, creating a continuous flow that emphasizes the album's tribute concept.

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: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 exploration of sound
gradual build to reflective conclusion
intimate homage to coltrane
steady pacing for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer upbeat, energetic tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Crispell's reputation in avant-garde jazz with innovative interpretations.
Themes: spiritual improvisation· Coltrane's legacy· meditative soundscapes
Career context: Released in 1993, For Coltrane marked Marilyn Crispell's deepening exploration into avant-garde jazz after her earlier work with the Anthony Braxton Quartet. This album positioned her as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, showcasing her unique voice and artistry in an homage to Coltrane's influence.
Stylistic neighbors: Cecil Taylor· Paul Bley· Annette Peacock