What makes The Adornment of Time by Marilyn Crispell notable?

This album has been noted for its ambitious length and complex structures, positioning it within the contemporary improvisational landscape. Critics have highlighted its meditative qualities and intricate interplay, contributing to discussions around the boundaries of jazz artistry and enhancing Crispell's reputation among both fans and fellow musicians. By 2019, Marilyn Crispell had established herself as a pivotal figure in avant-garde jazz, having released several critically acclaimed albums throughout her career. 'The Adornment of Time' serves as her first release in over a decade, marking a significant return to the forefront of experimental jazz and showcasing her evolution as an artist during this period.

How many songs are on The Adornment of Time?

The Adornment of Time has 1 track, running approximately 64 minutes.

The Adornment of Time

Marilyn Crispell · 2019

64 min · 1 track · jazz

A sprawling exploration of improvisational jazz that intertwines intricate melodies with deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Adornment of Time — The title track embodies the album's essence, featuring a continuous flow of ideas that ebb and flow like time itself, showcasing Crispell's mastery of improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's lengthy improvisation and intricate structure create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album consists of a single, extended track that unfolds over 40 minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes and motifs.
Improvisational sections are interspersed with recurring melodic phrases, creating a sense of continuity despite the free-form nature.
The dynamics shift frequently, with moments of quiet introspection followed by intense, layered passages that showcase the musicians' interplay.

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: 9/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Noted for its ambitious length and complex structures, showcasing artistic evolution.
Career context: By 2019, Marilyn Crispell had established herself as a pivotal figure in avant-garde jazz, having released several critically acclaimed albums throughout her career. 'The Adornment of Time' serves as her first release in over a decade, marking a significant return to the forefront of experimental jazz and showcasing her evolution as an artist during this period.
Stylistic neighbors: Cecil Taylor· Paul Bley· Annette Peacock