Cecil Taylor

The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert

Oblivion, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert

The inimitable Cecil Taylor returned to live music in 1973, and this performance documents that evening with Jimmy Lyons (alto sax), Andrew Cyrille (percussion) and Sirone (bass) for this complete release with a full display of his improvisational talents.

Disc 1 is the lengthy track “Autumn/Parade”, where an atypical rawness flows with a rare spontaneity that has the brass pairing with Taylor’s keys in a very unpredictable fashion.

Disc 2 opens with the fade in version of “Autumn/Parade”, where the firm and playful keys radiate much skill, while “Spring of Two Blue- J’s” comes in both solo and quartet versions. The former is a dizzying display of unreal key prowess that no one is going to ever be able to replicate, and the latter welcomes bright brass and frisky drumming to the charming, inviting formula.

A truly exceptional release that captures Taylor at his best, this comes with a 23 page booklet to accompany the profoundly exceptional and timeless free jazz that Taylor will always be known for.

Travels well with: Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun; Cecil Taylor- Silent Tongues Live At Montreux '74