Being Astral and All Regiters - Power of Two - Cecil Taylor

"Being Astral and All Registers - Power of Two" is a captivating live album featuring the legendary Cecil Taylor on piano and the renowned Tony Oxley on drums. Recorded at the Ulrichsberg Festival on May 10th, 2002, this album was unearthed from Oxley's personal archives in Germany and released in 2020. The album showcases a powerful reunion of these two titans of free jazz and avant-garde music, delivering an intense and improvisational performance that spans just under an hour.

The album consists of two extended tracks, "Being Astral and All Registers" and "Power of Two," each demonstrating the unique chemistry and mutual respect between Taylor and Oxley. The duo's interplay is nothing short of extraordinary, with Taylor's intricate piano work and Oxley's dynamic drumming creating a sonic landscape that is both challenging and rewarding. The album is a testament to the enduring legacy of both artists and their significant contributions to the world of jazz.

Released on Discus Music, "Being Astral and All Registers - Power of Two" is a must-listen for fans of free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop. The album's high-quality audio ensures that every nuance of the performance is captured, providing an immersive listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cecil Taylor or new to his work, this album offers a compelling glimpse into the world of free improvisation and the boundless possibilities of jazz."

Cecil Taylor, born Cecil Percival Taylor, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and poet, renowned for his unparalleled virtuosity and innovative approach to music. Emerging in the mid-'50s, Taylor quickly established himself as one of the most advanced improvisers in jazz, and his radical style continued to evolve over five decades. Known for his nearly overwhelming orchestral facility on the piano, Taylor's performances were characterized by constant motion and restless speed, blending the compositional grandeur of European tradition with an intense, jackhammer-like energy. His collaborations, notably with Jimmy Lyons and Andrew Cyrille, are celebrated as some of the greatest in jazz history. Taylor's legacy as a free jazz and avant-garde pioneer continues to inspire, making him one of the most influential figures in the genre.