What makes Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments by Marilyn Crispell notable?

This album is notable for its innovative approach to composition, which blends structured sections with spontaneous performance, influencing many subsequent artists in contemporary jazz. It received critical acclaim for its introspective nature and was hailed as a significant contribution to the genre, enhancing Crispell's reputation. By 1991, Marilyn Crispell had established herself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, following her acclaimed debut album in 1984. 'Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments' represents her deepening exploration into extended improvisational forms, showcasing her growth as both a pianist and composer within this experimental genre.

Who is Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments for?

Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments works well if you're into gradual build to reflective conclusion, atmospheric soundscapes for contemplation and immersive focus on intricate melodies.

How many songs are on Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments?

Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments has 8 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments

Marilyn Crispell · 1991

66 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A meditative exploration of sound, where improvisation and structure weave together in a rich tapestry of contemporary jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Segment 1 — Opening the album, this track establishes a contemplative atmosphere with its delicate interplay between silence and sound, setting the tone for the exploration that follows.
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Segment 5 — This segment features dynamic shifts between chaos and tranquility, highlighting Crispell's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes through her piano work.
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Segment 8 — Closing the album, this nearly thirteen-minute segment encapsulates the journey of the previous tracks, evolving into an expansive meditation on sound and silence.

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

The album's blend of structure and improvisation creates a unique listening experience within contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

Each segment varies in length, with some lasting over ten minutes, allowing for extended improvisation.
There are no traditional song structures; instead, the music flows seamlessly from one segment to the next, maintaining a meditative quality.

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

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

gradual build to reflective conclusion
atmospheric soundscapes for contemplation
immersive focus on intricate melodies
ideal for late-night introspection
patient exploration of improvisation

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, quick listens
seek immediate catchy satisfaction

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Innovative blend of structure and improvisation, showcasing a departure from conventional jazz.
Career context: By 1991, Marilyn Crispell had established herself as a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, following her acclaimed debut album in 1984. 'Overlapping Hands: Eight Segments' represents her deepening exploration into extended improvisational forms, showcasing her growth as both a pianist and composer within this experimental genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Cecil Taylor· Paul Bley· Annette Peacock