Cecil Taylor
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New York City (1929 – present)
Cecil Percival Taylor (born in New York City March 15 or 25, each date often cited, 1929) is an American pianist and poet now generally acknowledged to be one of the great innovative sources of free jazz (along with the better known Ornette Coleman). His first recording Jazz Advance was released in 1956, and is described by Cook & Morton in the Penguin Guide to Jazz: “While there are still many nods to conventional post-bop form in this set, it already points to the freedoms which the pianist would later immerse himself in”.
Taylor is known for being an extremely energetic, physical yet subtle player, producing exceedingly complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and intricate polyrhythms. At first listen, his dense and percussive music can be difficult to absorb, often described as if playing “88 tuned drums.” He learned piano at six and went on to study at New York College and New England Conservatory. After first steps in rhythm and blues and swing-styled small groups in the early ’50s, he formed his own band with soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy in 1956. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s, it was often difficult to find work, despite landmark recordings such as Unit Structures, nefertiti the beautiful one has come, and a pairing with John Coltrane (released as Coltrane Time under John Coltrane’s name and as Hard Driving Jazz under Taylor’s).
Taylor is known for being an extremely energetic, physical yet subtle player, producing exceedingly complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and intricate polyrhythms. At first listen, his dense and percussive music can be difficult to absorb, often described as if playing “88 tuned drums.” He learned piano at six and went on to study at New York College and New England Conservatory. After first steps in rhythm and blues and swing-styled small groups in the early ’50s, he formed his own band with soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy in 1956. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s, it was often difficult to find work, despite landmark recordings such as Unit Structures, nefertiti the beautiful one has come, and a pairing with John Coltrane (released as Coltrane Time under John Coltrane’s name and as Hard Driving Jazz under Taylor’s).
Shouts:
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Jazz Advance
Cecil Taylor
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Unit Structures
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The World of Cecil Taylor
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Hard Driving Jazz
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Shoutbox
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THXmille138 wrote:
Air
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Zolton25 wrote:
это потрясающе...
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robotkarel wrote:
una musica valiente, un salto al vacío sin redes
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JazzyUh_ wrote:
the work with the art ensemble of chicago
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mattcunn wrote:
if anyone has One Too Many please send it my way
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jiveraptor wrote:
He knew exactly what he was doing, and for that I sorta pity his brain and fingers in his 20 minute songs.
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Mannequentin wrote:
88 tuned drums, bitches.
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royama wrote:
http://www.jazzadvance.com/2010/11/hanging-with-cecil-taylor.html
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megajosh2 wrote:
I am listening to O.P. and I am in love.
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royama wrote:
Tomorrow (Friday) our blog will post a link to the uncollected essay, "Free Jazz/Punk Rock," by Lester Bangs which refers to Cecil Taylor. Please visit and comment: jazzadvance.com.
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hollabackitsobi wrote:
Also: too deep for those who hear but cannot listen.
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hollabackitsobi wrote:
Mommy why is that man trying to rape my ears.
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joswl wrote:
How about: Nefertiti, the beautiful one has come, or Unit Structures, or Olu Iwa
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street_dawg wrote:
@YOEWQ you might like Jazz Advance
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qtk wrote:
perfect opportunity to hate free jazz. I CANT BEAR THAT....
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guitar102 wrote:
After reading Leroy Jones (yeah I know he has a new name but I can't remember it) about Cecil Taylor. I was in a record store when they played the his album where John Coltrane was a sideman and I knew it had to be Cecil and I've been addicted ever since!
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KubaNecina wrote:
Crazy, but great :-)
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insomniacme wrote:
the knife
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sm4ears wrote:
to all the gifted monkeys: go and play like cecil. you won't get rich but you might become critically acclaimed.... god, 60 yrs and people are still whining "that's not music" etc, etc. he really deserves the avant-garde label.
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SonOfThirteen wrote:
eh? Why are people bitching in here? You don't 'get' free jazz? Are you going to spam Britney Spears' or Burzum's page next? Nobody cares if it's commercial or not, we're just in it for the music.
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