Cecil Taylor – The World Of Cecil Taylor (1961/2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Cecil Taylor – The World Of Cecil Taylor (1961/2022)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 48:39 minutes | 2,02 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Candid

The quartet, rounded out by the youthful Archie Shepp (playing only on “Air” and “Lazy Afternoon”) and bassist Buell Neidlinger, is already quite comfortable at pushing the boundaries of the period, giving an almost cursory reading of the themes before leaping into improvisation. The standard “This Nearly Was Mine” is explored gorgeously and with strong romanticism by Taylor, giving perhaps an indication of the source of the brief, blissful encores he would offer up to end his solo concerts in coming decades. “Port of Call” and “Eb” are both utter masterpieces showing Taylor already maintaining an unheard of mastery of the piano, musical ideas darting like sparks from his fingertips. What’s extra amazing is how deeply entrenched the blues feel and pulse are in this music, already bound for the further reaches of abstraction. They never left Taylor, although many listeners have difficulty discerning them. This session, which has been released under numerous guises, is an especially fine introduction to his work, keeping enough of a foot in “traditional” jazz forms to offer one purchase while dangling breathtaking visions of the possible within one’s reach. A classic recording that belongs in anyone’s collection.

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Cecil Taylor – Unit Structures (1966/2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Cecil Taylor – Unit Structures (1966/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 46:21 minutes | 1,60 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Blue Note Records

Originally released as Blue Note BLP 4237 (mono) and BST 84237 (stereo)

“In preparing these hi def remasters, we were very conscientious about maintaining the feel of the original releases while adding a previously unattainable transparency and depth. It now sounds like you’ve set up your chaise lounge right in the middle of Rudy Van Gelder’s studio!” – Blue Note President, Don Was.

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Cecil Taylor – Live in the Black Forest (1979/2015) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Cecil Taylor – Live in the Black Forest (1979/2015)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 51:08 minutes | 918 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © MPS

A leader in the revolution that overtook jazz in the late 50’s and early 60’s, pianist Cecil Taylor’s ‘Unit’ groups reflect the move towards total ensemble Play. The concept of soloist and accompanist is abolished; instead, the improvisations consist of a continual interchange of ideas between players. Alto saxophonist Jimmy Lyons played with Taylor from 1961 until Lyon’s death in 1986. Heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, his lyrical style helped tie Taylor’s style to more traditional jazz roots. Trumpeter Ralphe Malik worked with Taylor throughout the 70’s on into the 80’s. “A superb, incendiary performer”, Malik also recorded a series of critically acclaimed albums of his own. Drummer Ronald Shannon Jackson and bassist Sirone are the only musicians to have performed and recorded with the three prime shapers of free jazz, Cecil Taylor, Ornette Coleman, and Albert Ayler. The themes are loosely played melodic phrases used as a starting point for improvisation. In The Eel Pot, Taylor’s sparse, foreboding lines lead into the ensemble’s free interpretation of the theme. The piece proceeds to run the gamut of emotions, with extreme use of dynamics and space. Sperichill On Calling begins with an exquisite piano solo, moves to an ensemble march on into Lyon’s slashing solo accompanied by staccato violin. Movements vary from tender reflection to a seething maelstrom. Intense music that has retained its exploratory depth.

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Cecil Taylor – Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! (1981/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Cecil Taylor – Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! (1981/2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 47:30 minutes | 726 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © MPS

In the late 1950’s and early 60’s pianist Cecil Taylor along with saxophonists Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane blazed revolutionary paths through the jazz landscape that forever transformed our perception of the music. For those who think Cecil Taylor’s music too ‘far out’ or who have never experienced his play, this 1980 MPS solo recording will turn your heads and change your minds!

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Cecil Taylor – Conquistador! (1966/2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Cecil Taylor – Conquistador! (1966/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 37:36 minutes | 1,40 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Blue Note Records

Originally released as Blue Note BLP 4260 (mono) and BST 84260 (stereo)

“In preparing these hi def remasters, we were very conscientious about maintaining the feel of the original releases while adding a previously unattainable transparency and depth. It now sounds like you’ve set up your chaise lounge right in the middle of Rudy Van Gelder’s studio!” – Blue Note President, Don Was.

(more…)

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