Marilyn Crispell Gary Peacock Paul Motian Amaryllis Jazz News UK

Amaryllis, part of the Luminessence audiophile-vinyl series, was reissued alongside Annette Peacock’s An Acrobat’s Heart. This album features a trio recording with Gary Peacock on double bass, Paul Motian on drums, and Marilyn Crispell on piano. Crispell, known for her free-jazz style influenced by Cecil Taylor and her twelve-year collaboration with Anthony Braxton, shines on this album with her exceptional technique and soulful playing. She shared that with ECM recordings, she enjoys playing slowly to create a suspended sense of time.

What sets Amaryllis apart is its dreamy and atmospheric vibe. The album contains twelve pieces, with compositions attributed to Motian, Peacock, Crispell, and Mitchell Weiss. However, Crispell revealed that four tracks were improvised in response to producer Manfred Eicher’s suggestion for slow, “free” pieces. These improvisations, including the title track and ‘Voices’, contribute to the album’s serene and elegant feel.

In addition to these improvised pieces, Amaryllis features ‘standards’ from the musicians’ careers, such as ‘Rounds’, ‘Requiem’, and ‘Conception Vessel’. The album also showcases Crispell’s virtuosic piano playing, adding a dynamic element to the overall sound.

This vinyl reissue, the first release of Amaryllis on vinyl, pays tribute to the incredible artistry of Peacock and Motian, both of whom have left lasting legacies in the world of music. Their collaboration, along with Crispell’s contribution, creates a timeless and captivating listening experience that fans of jazz and improvisational music will appreciate.