Artist: Cecil Taylor Album: Love for Sale

Year: 1998
Duration: 0:0-1

Cecil Taylor's ‘Love for Sale’: A Critical Review of an Influential Album

Cecil Taylor, a jazz pianist, composer, and poet, whose innovative and avant-garde approach to music has always been a subject of fascination. Now, some sixty years since he first began forging his musical identity, his influence on modern jazz and experimental music remains strong. His album, Love for Sale, released in 1959, was an instant classic and a milestone in jazz history. In this blog post, we’ll take a critical look at the album, talk about its context, the genre of music it falls into, the standout tracks, the most innovative aspects of the album, and give our final verdict.

Firstly, it's important to establish some context. The 1950s were a time of great musical change in America. Gone were the days of dust bowl blues and swing, and in their place were new forms of music that were more about individual expression and experimentation. Jazz was at the forefront of this movement, and it was during this period when a young pianist from New York City named Cecil Taylor began to make his mark. Known for his virtuosic technique and highly idiosyncratic style, Taylor quickly became one of the most important figures in the jazz world.

Now let's talk about the music genre of the album. Love for Sale is considered to be a landmark in the free jazz movement. This genre of music was characterized by a rejection of traditional structures and forms, and instead focused on improvisation, experimentation, and self-expression. It was a radical departure from the tightly-structured and formulaic music that had come before, and Taylor's contributions to the genre were particularly significant. He was known for his use of dissonance, unconventional harmonies, and complex rhythms, which sounded chaotic at first but slowly revealed a sense of structure and purpose.

The standout tracks on Love for Sale are definitely the title track and Double Clutching, both of which showcase Taylor's unique approach to the piano. Love for Sale is a slow, sprawling piece, with Taylor's piano weaving in and out of the other instruments, creating a dense tapestry of sound. Double Clutching, on the other hand, is a more fast-paced, frenetic piece, with Taylor's piano driving the rhythm forward and commanding attention.

When it comes to the most innovative parts of the album, it's hard to pinpoint one particular aspect. However, it's safe to say that Taylor's use of polyrhythms and his complex improvisational style were both groundbreaking at the time. He approached the piano as a percussion instrument, using it to create a complex network of rhythms that were often at odds with each other but ultimately worked together to create a cohesive whole.

Lastly, it's time to give our verdict. Love for Sale is a landmark album that still holds up today, more than 60 years after its release. Taylor's virtuosic piano playing, his unconventional harmonies, and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered jazz at the time make this an essential listen for anyone interested in the genre. However, it's not for everyone, and those who are looking for more traditional jazz fare may find it difficult to appreciate. Nonetheless, Love for Sale remains a classic, and its influence can still be heard in the work of modern jazz musicians today.

In conclusion, Love for Sale is a powerful album that introduced the world to the innovative and avant-garde style of Cecil Taylor. Its influence on modern jazz cannot be overstated, and its significance in the history of the genre is undeniable. If you're a fan of jazz or experimental music, this is an album that should be on your radar. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate Taylor's virtuosic piano playing and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered jazz will find much to love here.