Cecil Taylor was a visionary jazz pianist, poet, and educator, known for his complex and energetic style that pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz. Born on March 25, 1929, in New York City, Taylor was a classically trained pianist who found his voice in the avant-garde jazz movement of the 1950s and 1960s. His approach to the piano was marked by an intense physicality and a disregard for conventional harmony and rhythm, which often gave his performances a feeling of raw, unfettered exploration.

Over the course of his career, Taylor collaborated with other jazz innovators like Archie Shepp, Max Roach, and Tony Oxley, and released a prodigious body of work that challenged and delighted audiences and critics alike. His discography, including titles like "Conquistador!" and "The World of Cecil Taylor," document his relentless creativity and the evolution of his sound. Despite or perhaps because of his unorthodox style, Taylor received numerous honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1973 and a MacArthur Fellowship in 1991. He continued performing into the 21st century, with live recordings like "The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert at the Town Hall N.Y.C. November 4, 1973" and "Being Astral and All Registers - Power of Two" capturing the undiminished power and originality of his music well into his seventies. Cecil Taylor left an indelible mark on the world of music before he passed away on April 5, 2018, at the age of 89. His legacy endures as a testament to the limitless possibilities of jazz.

Genres

Avant-garde Jazz

Contemporary Post-bop

Free Jazz

Jazz Piano

Latest Release

The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert at the Town Hall N.Y.C. November 4, 1973

Cecil Taylor

Single - Released January 11, 2022