Vignettes

'Vignettes' is the first ECM solo album from Marilyn Crispell and an important addition to the ranks of classic solo piano discs on the label including landmark jazz recordings by Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Paul Bley & Steve Kuhn. A poetic, lyrical and intimate album with new original compositions by Crispell, free playing and pieces by friends Arve Henriksen and Jayna Nelson, her goal was to play music "only from the heart" and to rule out any habitual or stylised expression. The result is a remarkably pure musical journey, and sums up new directions in the music of this great American pianist. Crispell's 15-year membership of the Anthony Braxton Quartet confirmed her international standing, as did her work with Gary Peacock and Paul Motian. Cecil Taylor long ago predicted that Crispell would "spearhead a new lyricism in jazz", and she has done just this.