“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.” NY Times
Regaled as one of the most highly regarded pianists at the sharp end of contemporary jazz for the past two decades, Marilyn Crispell discovered jazz through the music of John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor. She has worked with such legendary names as bassists Reggie Workman, Gary Peacock and Peter Kowald, drummer Paul Motian, violinist Billy Bang and clarinettist Don Byron. In Sydney Crispell will be joined by Australians Lloyd Swanton on bass and Simon Barker on drums.
Informal Troupe’s debut album Urban Parkland (2007) paid tribute to their neighbourhood, Sydney’s inner west. Saxophonist Matthew Ottignon, bassist Dave Symes and drummer Hamish Stuart recorded the album across two days, creating a soundtrack to the area’s hidden and abandoned reservoirs, bridges and industrial sites.
The trio formed their strong musical bond having worked with the likes of Missy Higgins, Ian Moss and the late Jackie Orszaczky. Their music is as much cinematic as it is ecstatic, with strong electronic and rock overtones that has audiences raving about their live performances.