The New York Times says that “hearing Marilyn Crispell play solo piano is like monitoring an active volcano. She is one of a very few pianists who rise to the challenge of free jazz.” Considered by many critics to be the most accomplished pianist in the free jazz movement since Cecil Taylor, Ms. Crispell returns to Madison in the season’s final “Jazz on a Sunday” program presented by Madison Music Collective and Mad Toast Live at The Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Avenue.
Ms. Crispell will perform solo and with a trio that includes Chicago-based “free jazz” stalwarts Harrison Bankhead and Avreeayl Ra and Madison-based firebrand multi-instrumentalist JoAnne Pow!ers.
In addition to leading and recording with a number of her own ensembles, Crispell’s bona fides include fifteen years performing as a part of the Anthony Braxton Quartet, and fertile collaborations with many of the major figures in creative music, including Reggie Workman, Wadada Leo Smith, Roscoe Mitchell, Irene Scweitzer, Peter Brötzmann, Evan Parker and The London Jazz Composers Orchestra.
“Free jazz” fans will immediately grasp the quality of this program, while people seeking a pathway into this challenging music will appreciate the post-concert workshop in which Ms. Crispell talks about her approach to music-making, answers audience member questions, and invites musicians in the audience (both amateur and professional) to the stage to make music together with her. The concert begins at 3;30 PM, with the workshop following at 6:00 PM.
General Admission tickets are $15 at the door and $12 advance at http://www.thebrinklounge.com/April.html. Discounted tickets for members of Madison Music Collective and Madison Jazz Society, and for students with an ID are $10 at the door/$8 advance.
