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Cecil Taylor

Cecil Percival Taylor (born New York City, 15 March 1929) is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz.
Cecil Taylor: A Pioneer in Free Jazz
Cecil Taylor was an American jazz pianist and poet, revered for his contributions to the free jazz movement. He revolutionized the jazz world with his unorthodox playing style, incorporating avant-garde elements into his music. In this blog, we will delve into Cecil Taylor’s musical biography, his best songs, his music genre, his famous concerts and an insight into some of his critics.
Cecil Taylor was born on March 25, 1929 in New York City. He grew up in a musically inclined family where his mother was a dancer and his father a jazz-loving physician. Taylor began playing the piano at a young age and started performing in nightclubs before the age of 20. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music and later became a teacher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching music theory and composition.
Taylor’s style of playing was avant-garde, incorporating elements of classical music, African rhythms, and improvisation. He believed in the concept of unit structures where the members of his band were not limited to playing specific roles, but were free to express themselves in any way they chose. His most notable albums include Unit Structures and Conquistador.
Free jazz originated in the late 1950s and early 60s and Taylor was a pioneer in the genre. He was known for his intense musical improvisations that often challenged the listener’s idea of what jazz could be. His free-form music was unique and often chaotic, but it was his intricate rhythms and creative melodies that set him apart from other pianists of his time.
One of the most famous concerts of Cecil Taylor’s career took place in 1966 at the Town Hall in New York City. It was a three-day event that featured Cecil Taylor and his band performing Unit Structures. The concert was praised for its innovative music and brought Taylor to the forefront of the free jazz movement.
A critic once described Cecil Taylor’s music as dangerous and frightening, but at the same time beautiful. Taylor’s music was not for everyone, but his fans appreciated his boldness and unconventional approach to jazz. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1973 and a MacArthur Fellowship in 1991.
Some of his best songs include Unit Structures, Conquistador, Live at the Cafe Montmartre and Nefertiti, the Beautiful One Has Come.
In conclusion, Cecil Taylor was a game-changing figure in the jazz world, known for his innovative music that pushed the boundaries of the genre. His music was not always easy to understand, but it was his boldness and creativity that made him a legend. Taylor’s influence continues to be felt in the music world today, and his contributions to free jazz will never be forgotten.
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LISTEN THE BEST CECIL TAYLOR SONGS IN STREAMING

2022-11-01

Get to Know the Musical Biography of Cecil Taylor

If you are a music lover looking to explore new, exciting jazz artists, then you definitely should familiarize yourself with the life and works of Cecil Taylor. He was an American jazz pianist and poet, who has made remarkable contributions to the contemporary avant-garde jazz scene. Throughout his career, he has developed a unique style that is defined by rhythmic complexities and improvisational creativity. In this blog post, we will take a look at the musical biography of Cecil Taylor, from his beginnings to his most famous albums and songs.

Cecil Taylor was born in New York City in 1929. He was exposed to music early on, as his mother was a jazz-loving dancer, and his father played the piano. Taylor started playing the piano at a young age and eventually studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He was influenced by various artists, including Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Art Tatum.

In the late 1950s, Taylor gained attention in the jazz scene for his unique pianistic approach. He displayed complex polyrhythms, angular melodies, and a flamboyant performance style. His first important recording was Jazz Advance in 1956, which he self-produced. The album featured Taylor playing with drummer Denis Charles and bassist Buell Neidlinger.

One of Taylor's most famous albums is Unit Structures, which he recorded in 1966 with his quintet featuring saxophonist Jimmy Lyons, trumpeter Eddie Gale, bassist Ken McIntyre, and drummer Andrew Cyrille. The album is known for its free-jazz and avant-garde elements, where the musicians improvised freely together, creating a complex yet unified sound. It has become a milestone in the development of contemporary jazz.

In terms of songs, one of Taylor's most famous works is Silent Tongues, which is a solo piano piece that he recorded in 1974. The song is characterized by its diverse range of nuances, from pounding dissonant chords to gentle ethereal melodies.

Cecil Taylor's musical style has influenced many contemporary jazz artists. He is praised for his ability to create a unique and complex musical language, that is defined by rhythmic complexities and improvisational creativity. His playing style was known for its physicality and energy, which was reflected in his flamboyant stage presence.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Cecil Taylor was a remarkable jazz artist, whose unique style has influenced countless musicians worldwide. His contribution to the development of contemporary avant-garde jazz is significant, and his music remains as powerful and mind-bending as it was back in the day. If you are a jazz lover looking to immerse yourself in the world of avant-garde jazz, then you should definitely give Cecil Taylor a listen. You will not be disappointed!
Tag: Cecil Taylor, musical biography, best songs, playlist
SONGS OF CECIL TAYLOR - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Bemsha Swing
2 - Song
3 - Steps
4 - Rick Kick Shaw
5 - Tales (8 Whisps)
6 - Sweet And Lovely
7 - With (exit)
8 - Conquistador
9 - Port Of Call
10 - Azure
11 - Charge 'em Blues
12 - Air
13 - You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
14 - Enter, Evening (soft Line Structure)
15 - Unit Structure/as Of A Now/section
16 - E.b.
17 - Enter, Evening (alternate Take)
18 - This Nearly Was Mine
19 - Trance
20 - Lena
21 - Lazy Afternoon
22 - Love For Sale
23 - Wallering
24 - Of What
25 - African Violets
26 - Jitney No. 2
27 - Get Out Of Town
28 - I Love Paris
29 - Luyah! The Glorious Step
30 - With (exit) (alternate Take)
31 - Excursion On A Wobbly Rail
32 - Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come
33 - D Trad That's What
34 - Toll
35 - Cell Walk For Celeste (take 1)
36 - Jumpin' Punkins (take 6)
37 - Little Lees (louise)
38 - After All (fifth Movement)
39 - Things Ain't What They Used To Be
40 - O.p.