If nothing else, pianist Cecil Taylor was provocative. One of the first of the then-called “avant garde” or “free” pianists, Taylor hit the music scene like a Nike missile, and, unlike most of the artists of his genre, his recordings have stood up well under time, as his bebop dna shines through, even in the wildest moments.
This two disc set features Taylor in solo and quartet format , in a concert setting for the first time in almost 5 years, serving as an important link between 1969’a Foundation Nights and 1973’s Akisakila. His long time teammates of Jimmy Lyons/as and Andrew Cyrille/dr is joined by bassist Sirone, and the four, three and two work wonders together here at this git at The Town Hall, NYC on November 4, 1873.
The two discs is comprised of a quartet reading of “Autumn/Parade” that stretches out over the first disc into the second for a total of 88 minutes. After that marathon, Taylor goes solo for 16 minutes on an intro to “Spring of Two Blue-Js” before the team gets back for a 22 minute conclusion of the tune.
The term “quartet” is loosely defined here, as Cecile’s ectomorphic solo explorations are captivating before Lyons enters in with some searing bop and beyond lines. Cyrille and Sirone veer in and out in dominance and support, with the leader conversing with both and all three in various permutations and computations. Taylor is playful and curious in his inquisitive excursions for “Spring…” with some quietude between Cyrille and Sirone working with dynamics and directions with and without Lyons and Taylor, with the concert ending with an exhilarating climax.
No, there are no “melodies”, but there are plenty of stories. One of my regrets in my musical life is never taking in a Taylor concert. This two disc collection reminds me why.