Cecil Taylor

Mr Cecil Percival Taylor is one of the few legends of free jazz, arguably one of the major musicians of the second half of the 20th century, although his music is often considered hard to understand (some even say hard to hear).
A master pianist, he began his career in the mid 50's, at that time already an adventurous post-bop pianist, still somewhat under Monk's influence.
In a few major steps, from Jazz Advance to Love for Sale, to the Candid sessions that redefined the meaning of looking ahead, he developped an entirely unique approach of piano play, ultimately recording two Blue Note sessions (Conquistador and Unit Structures) that would establish him as one of the most radical, controversial and enraged cat of the "new" wave known as Free Jazz.
From then on he pursued goals he and his Unit only were able to reach, recording an impressive amount of material and featuring in incredible live sessions. He also recorded duets with both Mary Lou Williams (Embraced) and Max Roach (Historic Concerts).
Although nearly 80 years old now, Mr Taylor is still touring, with the very same unaltered energy and unique volubility.