Jazz Advance

Since his first recordings, pianist Cecil Taylor’s astonishing performances were marked by such freedom of improvisation that careful, studied listening was required. Cecil, whose staccato burst of phrases and subtle use of motifs always implied a melody line, improvised in a manner which defied description. He was constantly foraging in search of the dynamically fresh in his solos. Steve Lacy—who made a stylistic leap in joining Taylor’s quartet in their embrace of free jazz—is heard here also blowing a new sound through the horn. His soprano had the virility of a tenor and the maneuverability of an alto. These performances make for rewarding listening because of the constant probing and daring of their participants.