Crispell, Marilyn (1947–)

American pianist. Born Marilyn Braune, Mar 30, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; studied piano at Peabody Institute in Baltimore from age 7, and composition at New England Conservatory in Boston; attended Karl Berger's Creative Music Studio; studied jazz harmony with Charlie Banacos in Boston; married (1969–75).

One of most compelling talents of a generation of pianists, developed distinctive volcanic improvisational style; collaborated frequently with Anthony Braxton, touring with Creative Music Orchestra (1978), becoming member of Anthony Braxton Quartet and recording on Braxton's Composition 98 album (1981); was also a member of Reggie Workman Ensemble and Barry Guy New Orchestra; composed original music drawing initially on Cecil Taylor's dense rhythmic piano playing and then creating more individual style; began leading groups and playing solo (1980s); made several albums on Music & Arts and Leo labels, working with Reggie Workman, Doug James, Andrew Cyrille, Anthony Davis, Tim Berne, Marcio Mattos, Eddie Prevost, and others; continued recording throughout 1990s, yielding many well-regarded albums that included Braxton Quartet bandmates Mark Dresser and Gerry Hemingway, and sessions with Paul Motian, Irene Schweizer, Gary Peacock and Fred Anderson, as well as solo recordings, notably Live at Mills College (1995); performed at jazz and avant-garde festivals, occasionally as solo artist; featured in French film Women in Jazz by Gilles Corre; released DVD, Pianist's Guide To Free Improvisation: Taught By Marilyn Crispell (2002). Albums include Spirits Hung in Undrawn Sky (1983), And Your Ivory Voice Sings (1985) and Labyrinths (1988).