ECM’s Luminessence Series to Release "Amaryllis" by Marilyn Crispell and "An Acrobat’s Heart" by Annette Peacock on October 25
On October 25, 2024, ECM will release two highly anticipated albums, Amaryllis by Marilyn Crispell and An Acrobat’s Heart by Annette Peacock, as part of its Luminessence series, a collection designed for audiophiles. Both albums highlight distinct yet equally captivating musical visions from two trailblazing artists on the fringes of Jazz.
Marilyn Crispell’s Amaryllis, originally released as ECM 1742, marks the return of her remarkable trio with Gary Peacock on double bass and Paul Motian on drums. This album, first celebrated for its introspective and meditative qualities, continues to showcase the extraordinary interplay between these Jazz legends. Known for the haunting beauty of their 1997 collaboration Nothing Ever Was, Anyway, the trio delivers a richly melancholic collection of compositions and improvisations that oscillate between delicate introspection and explosive expression. Featuring compositions like Crispell’s “Rounds,” Peacock’s “Requiem,” and Motian’s “Conception Vessel,” Amaryllis is suffused with an air of romanticism and solitude. As Crispell herself notes, the album is marked by a rare delicacy in communication among the musicians, creating a profound depth of emotional expression.
Annette Peacock’s An Acrobat’s Heart, ECM 1733, marks her long-awaited return with a deeply personal and hypnotic song cycle. Accompanied by the Cikada String Quartet, Peacock blends her ethereal vocals and minimalist piano with chamber music sensibilities, crafting a sound that floats between Jazz and modern classical. Her compositions explore themes of love and life with a hushed, intimate quality, underscored by the poetic silences between notes. The album is a dreamlike journey, merging Peacock’s distinctive musical language with the nuanced support of the Cikada String Quartet, creating an atmosphere of bittersweet reflection. An Acrobat’s Heart is a welcome return for one of Jazz’s most elusive figures, and a strikingly beautiful example of her singular artistic voice.
Both albums, now available on vinyl, reaffirm ECM’s commitment to preserving and presenting the most artful expressions of Jazz and beyond, offering listeners a chance to experience these timeless works in a fresh, immersive format.