Search - Cecil Taylor :: In Floresence

14 Easy Pieces by Cecil Taylor

Joe Pierre | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an out of print recording by A&M put out in 1990 -- a year when the label got adventurous and recorded the "Modern Masters Jazz Series" (they also recorded Sun Ra). It's too bad this is out of print -- it is an unmitigated gem in the Cecil Taylor catalog -- a good starting point for newcomers and a unique album for those already Cecil disciples. Cecil's first album (Jazz Advance) featured brief trio numbers, but after the 1960's he pretty much abandoned short group pieces in favor of extended hour long concerts and the occasional quick solo encore. This album (along with the more recently released Momentum Space) is a notable exception. The studio recording is a collection of 14 short works featuring Cecil along with William Parker (bass) and Gregg Bendian (percussion). Most of the tracks are preceded by a short poetic recitation (actually recorded separately on a different date) 'introducing' each piece. The music itself is accessible -- the trio interacts well throughout and the playing is fairly reigned in for Cecil. Parker spent several formative years with Cecil and is one of his best accompanists (probably his best bassist) -- on this album, he uses his bow quite a bit. Bendian likewise employs a bow on his cymbals in places and in general serves to embellish the piano playing rather than compete with it. As far as Cecil goes, his pianistic signatures abound with thundering chord clusters and short, fast runs throughout, but the overall tone is a bit more subdued and lyrical as his short encore performances usually are. In addition to the trio music, there are some unique explorations as well -- each musician gets a solo number (Cecil on "Ell Moving Track," Parker on "Anast in Crisis...," and Bendian on "Entity"); there is a longer free group improvisation with a lot of vocalisms ("Chal Chuiatlichue Green Goddess..."); and finally a fantastic poetic monologue by Cecil ("Morning of Departure") that captivates. A great recording and a good choice for those who enjoy Cecil's shorter works."