Destiny

by Joslyn Layne Destiny captures an electrifying live concert of pianist Marilyn Crispell, tenor saxophonist Fred Anderson, and percussionist Hamid Drake at Chicago's 1994 Women of New Music Festival, which was the first public performance of this all-star trio. The improvised set is broken up into six pieces, entitled "Destiny 1-6." Anderson and Drake rip right into the opening, and Crispell joins them not long after with clusters and energetic runs. Both she and Drake also take excellent melodic solos to break up the emphatic drive of "Destiny 1." Another few of this concert's many great moments include: "Destiny 3"'s opening piano solo, which leads into a soft, mature trio ballad that is both open and peaceful (and very accessible); the upfront and insistent "Destiny 4" with the piano and sax rounding tight corners while Drake plays hand drums; and the breakneck, rollicking grand finale of "Destiny 6." All around, this is an incredible performance by a stunning group of musicians whose skill and chemistry completely sidestep the fact that this is only the second time that these three great jazz improvisers ever played together. Recorded live during The Women of New Music Festival at the HotHouse, Chicago, IL, April 8, 1994. Alto Saxophone – Fred Anderson Drums, Percussion – Hamid Drake Piano – Marilyn Crispell