Azure review: Marilyn Crispell and Gary Peacock make a major statementEntertainment Music
'Unique sense of drama': Marilyn Crispell. Photo: Claire Stefani
Pianist Marilyn Crispell and bassist Gary Peacock have been vital forces in some of jazz's headiest explorations, while also sharing a more lyrical side. The intensity of their rapport was revealed when Peacock was in Crispell's trio a decade ago, and now comes this duo album, containing both composed pieces and improvisations.
More of the pensive than the edgy aspect of what this pair can do is on display. That is not to say that all is sweetness and pastel shades. Patterns has dense knots of melody split by abrupt stops; Blue features chunky rhythmic impetus and bluesy inferences.
Much of the rest is more restrained, but no less enthralling. Crispell has a unique sense of the drama of a single note, and Peacock's slippery rhythmic sense is built on phrases with improbable start and stop points.
Pensive: Azure. Photo: Supplied
Both offer striking solo pieces, and Peacock's enchanting Puppets is an instant classic. Another highlight is Crispell's Waltz after David M, where Peacock's solo alternates between ravishing beauty and earthy asides.
This is a major statement from two of jazz's most distinguished practitioners.
LIKE THIS? TRY THESE Paul Bley and Gary Peacock, Mindset; Crispell, Peacock and Motian, Amaryllis.
GARY PEACOCK AND MARILYN CRISPELL