Marilyn Crispell

Avant-Garde Jazz Pianist and Composer

Marilyn Crispell is an American jazz pianist and composer known for her avant-garde and free jazz contributions. She emerged as a prominent figure in the 1980s, having studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and drawn inspiration from the likes of John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor. Crispell became a member of the Anthony Braxton Quartet in the early 1980s, where she gained significant recognition for her intense and complex playing style. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous influential musicians in the jazz scene and has performed at various international festivals and concerts. Her discography includes both solo piano works and collaborations with other artists, showcasing her versatility and depth as a musician. Crispell's ability to blend lyrical melodies with dissonant harmonies has earned her critical acclaim within the world of contemporary jazz.