Cecil Taylor

Cecil Taylor

Cecil Percival Taylor (born March 25, 1929) is an American pianist and poet. Classically trained, Taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and intricate polyrhythms. His piano technique has been likened to percussion, for example described as "eighty-eight tuned drums" (referring to the number of keys on a standard piano). He has also been compared to "Art Tatum with contemporary-classical leanings."

Read more about Cecil Taylor:  Early Life, 1950s and '60s, Solo Concerts, 1990s and The Feel Trio, 2000s, Ballet and Dance, Poetry, Influence and Musical Style, Personal Life

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