Marilyn Crispell, Gary Peacock, Paul Motian – Amaryllis (ECM)

It is breathtaking how the petite pianist sets note after note with concentration, giving the delicate sounds sufficient space and time. Gary Peacock confidently weaves in his bass lines, and Paul Motian creates unifying structures beyond all the beats. Amaryllis thus becomes an impressive manifesto of musical freedom: In blind understanding, a mildly iridescent firework of brilliant ideas unfolds, which, for all their seriousness, sound wonderfully light-hearted. - Sven Thielmann, Stereoplay

Amaryllis marks the return of the great American jazz trio that topped numerous international jazz polls in 1997 with Nothing Ever Was, Anyway. The material on the album is by turns thoughtful, touching, exuberant and full of tension. Some of the pieces are well known - almost classics of new jazz - including Crispell's 'Rounds', Peacock's 'Requiem' and 'December Wings', Motian's 'Conception Vessel'. There are also a number of inspired free improvised ballads. Marilyn Crispell, the bandleader, says: "The communication is profound and of rare sophistication", and the interaction between the musicians is indeed exceptional. In its review of the 2001 album, The Wire magazine called the group "surely one of the great piano trios of today."

Amaryllis appears on LP for the first time with this Luminessence reissue and is presented in a tip-on gatefold sleeve.