Artist: Cecil Taylor Album: Jazz Advance

Year: 1956
Duration: 0:0-1

Cecil Taylor's Jazz Advance: A Critical Review of a Notable Album

Jazz music has undergone transitions over the years, and while it remains a distinct genre, it has evolved into jazz fusion, smooth jazz, and many others. One of the artists that ushered jazz into an unprecedented dimension, Cecil Taylor released Jazz Advance, an album that is still acclaimed among jazz lovers. In this post, we explore Jazz Advance, the remarkable talent of Cecil Taylor, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and an honest critique of the album.

Cecil Taylor was a prolific jazz pianist and composer who recorded several iconic albums. Taylor, who was born in Long Island, New York in 1929, began classical piano training at a young age. But soon, he developed a passion for jazz music, and he started to incorporate his own style into his playing. The result was a somewhat avant-garde and multi-dimensional approach to jazz that influenced other jazz artists. Jazz Advance, released in 1956, was one of his earlier works and still stands the test of time.

Jazz Advance is classified under the genre of avant-garde, and it is known for its unconventional approach to jazz. The album was recorded with a trio - Cecil Taylor on piano, Buell Neidlinger on bass and Denis Charles on drums. The unconventional playing style and the absence of conventional jazz-meter make Jazz Advance a standout album.

The album has eight tracks, with each song having its unique touch. Arguably, the best track in Jazz Advance is the opening song, Bulbs, an unusual piece that showcases Taylor's piano playing technique. The track starts with discordant notes and gradually transitions into a pattern, which forms the structure of the song. Charge 'Em Blues is another notable track that stands out for its rhythm and spontaneity. The bass solo on the song Azure is another highlight of the album that deserves a mention.

One of the most innovative aspects of Jazz Advance is the absence of a proper structure or a melody that resembles a typical jazz composition. The album presents an improvised musical expression of ideas, emotions, and techniques. This approach gives Jazz Advance an experimental character, which in turn sets it apart from other jazz albums of the time.

The album challenges the ear and perspective of the listener, with songs that can seem abstract and discordant. However, the unconventional approach to jazz is what makes Jazz Advance a masterpiece in the jazz genre. Some jazz purists or those who listen for melody or structure might find the album challenging, but for those who appreciate experimentality, it is a true gem.

Cecil Taylor's Jazz Advance is a timeless album in the jazz genre. It presents an innovative approach to jazz, and the absence of a conventional structure is a testament to the artist's musical creativity. While some songs may seem challenging to the regular jazz listener, Jazz Advance remains an iconic album that must be appreciated for its experimentation with jazz. Cecil Taylor will always be remembered as a notable figure in the jazz genre, and Jazz Advance is a worthwhile addition to any jazz enthusiasts' playlist.