by François Couture Many solo albums by Keith Tippett were released during the 1990s. Like Friday the 13th, Une Croix Dans l'Océan (A Cross in the Ocean) is one of the very fine ones. Recorded in May 1994 at the Festival International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville, it features one continuous 46-minute improvisation. The title is well-chosen because most of the pianist's music can be described in symbolic terms of water and wind. His drowning subcurrents of bass notes, splashes and cascades of high notes, and huge crashing waves of sound have the distinctive qualities of organic chaos. Nature speaks poetry through Tippett's hands. By the time of this recording, his use of piano preparation had become an integral part of his playing; not a shtick, not a planned sonic exploration, but a natural extension of his language. The piece begins very softly, building gradually inside and outside the piano. Furious moments make way for calmer episodes. There are no sudden changes: Every move is preceded by warning signs, omens. In the end, the pianist gathers himself, sings one gripping line, drops a few more notes, and leaves. Tippett's solo pieces are always cathartic and an expression of human emotions. This one is more expressive than usual. Strongly recommended.