Myra Melford and her trio set to make a splash as part of VanJazz ’26 on October 25
The American pianist’s project is part of her ongoing engagement with the work of post-abstract expressionist painter Cy Twombly
Left to right: Myra Melford Splash Trio; Myra Melford (photo by Bryan Murray)
As part of VanJazz’26, Infidels Jazz presents the Myra Melford Splash Trio at the Alliance Française Theatre on October 25 at 8 pm
INTERESTING THINGS CAN happen when art responds to art. Case in point: Myra Melford has devoted much of her creativity to engaging with the work of post-abstract impressionist painter Cy Twombly.
It all started 30 years ago, when the American avant-jazz pianist saw a retrospective exhibition of Twombly’s work at the Museum of Modern Art. “I just remember thinking, Wow, this feels like how I want to play the piano,” she told The Gig.
Last year’s Splash album, recorded with bassist Michael Formanek and drummer-vibraphonist Ches Smith, is the latest manifestation of Melford’s ongoing project, hence such titles as “To Dribble, to Smear, to Splash” and “A Line With a Mind of Its Own”.
In a review of Splash, The Wire noted that the album is “one of Melford's finest releases,” highlighting the track “Streaming” as “about the most colossal piece of furious free jazz imaginable”.
The same review also praised Smith’s work, noting that “his stripped down approach is a consistent delight, as is his switching between drums and vibes”.
Melford doesn’t visit these parts often—her last Vancouver show was about seven years ago—so this VanJazz appearance is a rare opportunity to witness her brilliant mind at work. 
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