This Appearing World
Marilyn Crispell · 2011
40 min · 13 tracks · jazz
A contemplative blend of improvisational jazz that explores emotions through intricate piano melodies and subtle harmonies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Gentle Folk — This track opens the album with serene piano lines that set a reflective tone, showcasing Crispell's delicate touch and lyrical sensibility.
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Missed Children — Characterized by its poignant theme, this piece blends dissonance with beautiful melodies, highlighting Crispell's capacity to evoke deep emotion through improvisation.
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This Appearing World — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its complex structure and dynamic shifts, illustrating Crispell's mastery in balancing chaos and tranquility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalCrispell's intricate compositions and improvisational style create a distinct yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections where the piano often takes center stage, allowing for intricate melodic exploration.
- Several tracks employ a minimalist approach, with sparse harmonies that create a contemplative atmosphere throughout.
- The sequencing includes moments of tension followed by resolution, particularly evident in the transitions between tracks like 'Missed Children' and 'Rumi Nation'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 emotional depth
- delicate improvisation for focused listening
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- explorative journey through varied tempos
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat or fast-paced tracks
- prefer structured, predictable formats
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases Crispell's artistic evolution after a hiatus, highlighting intricate compositions.
- Career context
- Released in 2011, This Appearing World is Marilyn Crispell's first album following a five-year hiatus. At this point in her career, Crispell had already established herself as a significant figure in avant-garde jazz, known for her innovative piano work and collaborations with notable artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cecil Taylor· Paul Bley· Annette Peacock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Gentle Folk 3:39
- 2 Snow Grind 2:47
- 3 Missed Children 4:34
- 4 Rumi Nation 4:02
- 5 Paper Sand 3:05
- 6 Here Seas Peak 2:11
- 7 Tough Fairy, My Dear 4:57
- 8 This Appearing World 3:46
- 9 Meat Ox 2:22
- 10 Trap 1:55
- 11 Sine Language 1:02
- 12 Isle and Light 1:18
- 13 Quiet Night 5:01
What to play next
Affinities
2011
Continues the contemplative exploration with rich improvisational elements.
Vignettes
2007
Sets a reflective tone that leads into the intricate soundscapes of the current album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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