Artist: Cecil Taylor Album: Olu Iwa

Year: 1994
Duration: 0:0-1

A Deeper Look at Cecil Taylor's Album, Olu Iwa

If you're a lover of jazz music, chances are you've heard of Cecil Taylor. Hailed as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Taylor's career spanned over six decades before his passing in 2018. Today, I want to take a closer look at one of his most iconic albums, Olu Iwa. I'll be discussing everything from the artist's history to the genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and my overall critique.

To understand the brilliance of Olu Iwa, it's important to understand the context of Cecil Taylor's career. He was known for his unconventional playing style, often using free jazz and improv to create complex and unpredictable pieces. Throughout his career, Taylor pushed the boundaries of jazz music and challenged the traditional way of playing the piano.

Olu Iwa is no exception. Released in 1986, the album falls under the category of avant-garde jazz. It's a mix of free jazz, post-bop, and African rhythms, creating a completely unique sound. One of the standout features of this album is Taylor's use of percussion. He utilizes a variety of African drums, bells, and shakers to add a distinct rhythm to each track.

When it comes to the best songs on the album, it's hard to choose just a few. Each track is a masterpiece in its own right, but one that stands out to me is Olu Iwa. It begins with a slow, steady beat before building into a frenzied climax with Taylor's piano work cascading over the drums. Streams and Chorus Of Seed, is another standout for me. It's a slower track, but the use of African bells and percussion really brings the piece to life.

Perhaps one of the most innovative parts of Olu Iwa is Taylor's use of improvisation. While jazz is often known for its improvisational nature, Taylor takes it to a whole new level. His piano playing feels completely spontaneous, as if he's channeling the spirit of the moment. This element of the album is what makes it so unique and memorable.

However, like any work of art, there are critiques to be made. One critique of Olu Iwa is that it can be overwhelming at times. The constant barrage of African rhythms and unconventional piano playing can be a lot to take in. Additionally, some listeners may find the lack of structure and recognizable melody jarring.

Overall, Cecil Taylor's Olu Iwa is a true masterpiece of jazz music. It's a reflection of Taylor's boundary-pushing career and an excellent example of avant-garde jazz at its finest. From the use of African rhythms to the innovative improvisation, there's something for every listener to appreciate. However, it's important to keep an open mind and understand that this album may not be for everyone. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding listening experience, I highly recommend giving Olu Iwa a chance.

Overall, Cecil Taylor's Olu Iwa is a true masterpiece of jazz music. It's a reflection of Taylor's boundary-pushing career and an excellent example of avant-garde jazz at its finest. From the use of African rhythms to the innovative improvisation, there's something for every listener to appreciate. However, it's important to keep an open mind and understand that this album may not be for everyone. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding listening experience, I highly recommend giving Olu Iwa a chance.