Introduction
"Jazz Advance" is a cutting-edge album by the famous jazz pianist and author, Cecil Taylor. Initially released in 1956 under the Transition label, it was reissued in 1991 under Blue Note/Capitol Records. The album is an ultimate piece that showcases Taylor's ingenious style, avant-garde method, and exceptional pianistic capabilities, which would later on affect and shape the face of contemporary jazz in the years to come.
The album is consisted of 8 tracks, including significant contributions from artists such as Steve Lacy on soprano saxophone, Buell Neidlinger on bass, and Denis Charles on drums. Its recording happened at Rudy Van Gelder's studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. As the title suggests, "Jazz Advance" characterizes Taylor's forward-thinking approach to jazz music, transcending the borders of traditional jazz genres and recording the spirit of complimentary jazz motion.
Track Listing
1. "Bemsha Swing"
2. "Charge 'Em Blues"
3. "Azure".
4. "Song".
5. "You 'd Be So Nice To Come Home To".
6. "Rick Kick Shaw".
7. "Sweet and Lovely".
8. "Bass-Ically Speaking" (bonus track contributed to the 1991 reissue).
Stylistic Evolution and Experimentalism
"Jazz Advance" commemorates Taylor's departure from the standard jazz norms, as the music included on the album oscillates in between the conventional bebop and the experimental complimentary jazz genres. It is evident that Taylor was not scared to push the boundaries of what was considered mainstream jazz throughout the time, and his desire to explore harshness, atonality, and abstract composition lays the structure for the future development of avant-garde jazz.
Taylor's playing design on "Jazz Advance" is defined by dense clusters of notes, highly energetic and percussive keyboard attacks, aggressive tonality, and a departure from basic jazz harmonies and chord structures. The album likewise includes some of his most renowned compositions, such as "Charge 'Em Blues" and "Rick Kick Shaw", highlighting his fondness for unconventional rhythmic patterns and innovative improvisation.
Collaborators and Influence
As formerly mentioned, significant artists Steve Lacy, Buell Neidlinger, and Denis Charles made substantial contributions to the total sound and feel of the album. Lacy's soprano saxophone playing offers a melodic counterpart to Taylor's frantic piano work, while Neidlinger's bass playing functions as a strong grounding force that supports the band's improvisatory nature.
The impact of "Jazz Advance" reaches far beyond its initial release date, as its experimental approach and avant-garde tendencies would pave the way for future artists within the complimentary jazz and progressive motion, such as Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, and John Coltrane. In addition, Taylor's distinct playing design left a lasting impression on many musicians, especially pianists, who discovered inspiration in his unconventional method to the instrument.
Conclusion
In summary, Cecil Taylor's "Jazz Advance" is an essential album that marks the beginning of his revolutionary career as a jazz pianist and author. This 1991 reissue offers listeners a chance to explore Taylor's innovative style, including his ruthless energy and daring experimentation that would later on form the development of modern-day jazz. With its smooth mixing of bebop and progressive jazz, "Jazz Advance" stands as an engaging and prominent piece that embodies Taylor's uncompromising vision and passion for producing music that defies convention and continues to motivate generations of artists to come.
Artist: Cecil Taylor
Cecil Taylor: his early life, education, rise to fame, and influence on the genre. Push the boundaries of jazz and more.
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