Myra Melford
b. January 1957, Evanston, Illinois, USA. After earning a BA from Evergreen State College in Washington, Melford completed studies with pianist Art Lande and bass player Gary Peacock in Seattle, and with saxophonist Henry Threadgill and pianist Don Pullen in New York. From there, she went on to make her mark in the world of jazz and improvised music as one of the most exciting and singular of the post-Cecil Taylor-generation of pianists. Her style is rooted in the percussive yet lyrical style of Pullen, yet is possessed of a sweetly aggressive sense of melody. While sounding like no one but herself, Melford can summon hurricanes like Cecil Taylor and be as genially tuneful as Dave Brubeck and Herbie Nichols while conveying a gospel feel. As a leader, she has recorded in a few different contexts: her Trio, with Reggie Nicholson (drums) and Lindsey Horner (bass); the Myra Melford Extended Ensemble, featuring multi-wind player Marty Ehrlich; Crush, with Stomu Takeishi (bass/guitar) and Kenny Wolleson (drums); and the Same River, Twice quintet, featuring the amazing, versatile Dave Douglas (trumpet). The Same River, Twice is predominantly a vehicle for Melford's subtle, classically- and Eastern European-folk tinged compositions (though this is not to take anything away from her fine playing). Her quintet is called the Tent and features Cuong Vu (trumpet), Chris Speed (saxophone), Wollesen and Takeishi. She is also featured on albums by Leroy Jenkins, Henry Threadgill and Butch Morris and has recorded with Marty Ehrlich.
Listen to Myra Melford
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Albums
- (1999) Above Blue
Top Tracks
- A White Flower Grows
- Here Is Only Moment
- Above Blue
- Be Melting Snow
- Yet Can Spring (For Don Pullen)
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