Artist: Cecil Taylor Album: Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come

Year: 1962
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come by Cecil Taylor

Every music lover has a music album that touches their hearts and souls, one that they can listen to repeatedly without getting tired. One such album is Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come by Cecil Taylor. Cecil Taylor is a renowned jazz pianist and composer who has contributed a lot to the jazz music genre. This album, released in 1962 and reissued in 1997, highlights his enormous artistic skills. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the album, explore the history of the artist and his music genre, discuss the best songs on the album, critique the album and look at the most innovative parts that make it a timeless classic.

Cecil Taylor, the artist, and his genre

Cecil Taylor was an American jazz pianist and composer who was born in 1929 and passed away in 2018. He was known for his innovative piano techniques, which exemplified the free jazz genre. Coming from a classical music background, he was able to skillfully fuse the two genres to create an authentic sound that earned him a unique place in the jazz world. Cecil's music was heavily influenced by Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Duke Ellington, with some of the modernists such as John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen serving as his inspiration.

Album highlights

Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come album is a classic that comprises six tracks, each over 10 minutes long. The songs are intricate and complicated, bringing out the best in Cecil's piano skills. The track that stands out the most is the first one, 'Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come. The song is perfect from start to finish, with Cecil's piano playing blissfully reflecting a sense of the past and present. His accompanying band, which consists of Jimmy Lyons (alto saxophone), Archie Shepp (tenor saxophone), and Sunny Murray (drums), enhances the song's overall appeal.

Critic's Review

Although the album, Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come, is a masterpiece, it isn't perfect. As much as the tracks are beautiful, they can be challenging for those not familiar with free jazz music. The difficulty lies in deciphering the interplay between the various instruments without the need for distinct melodies. It takes patience and willingness to embrace this unconventional mode of expression to appreciate and enjoy the album.

Most Innovative Parts

As mentioned earlier, Cecil Taylor's piano technique stands out, as it is unconventional and unique. He skips melodies, harmonies, and the conventional formalities of jazz music and merges them with free rhythms. The album is a perfect embodiment of his artistic style. What sets this album apart is the liberal use of dissonance, key clusters, and unconventional harmonies that add to its beauty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come is an exceptional album that showcases the best of Cecil Taylor's artistic style. As a professional critic, I would recommend the album for anyone looking to appreciate the complexities found in free jazz music. The album is a masterpiece that shouldn't be overlooked by anyone interested in jazz music. Even though some songs are hard to understand, it is a timeless classic that will withstand the test of time thanks to its artistic innovation and creativity. Cecil Taylor was a musical genius whose work will continue to inspire generations to come.

In conclusion, Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come is an exceptional album that showcases the best of Cecil Taylor's artistic style. As a professional critic, I would recommend the album for anyone looking to appreciate the complexities found in free jazz music. The album is a masterpiece that shouldn't be overlooked by anyone interested in jazz music. Even though some songs are hard to understand, it is a timeless classic that will withstand the test of time thanks to its artistic innovation and creativity. Cecil Taylor was a musical genius whose work will continue to inspire generations to come.