Dive into the avant-garde jazz masterpiece "3 Phasis" by Cecil Taylor, a seminal work recorded in April 1978 at the iconic Columbia Recording Studios in New York City. This album, released in January 1979 under the New World Records label, is a testament to Cecil Taylor's unparalleled genius and his enduring influence on the jazz genre. Spanning just under an hour, "3 Phasis" is a through-composed work that showcases Taylor's unique approach to improvisation and composition.
The album features a stellar ensemble, including Jimmy Lyons on alto sax, Raphé Malik on trumpet, Ramsey Ameen on violin, Sirone on bass, and Ronald Shannon Jackson on drums. Together, they weave a tapestry of sound that blends free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde elements, creating a sonic landscape that is as complex as it is captivating.
"3 Phasis" is the companion disc to "The Cecil Taylor Unit," both recorded over four intense days in April 1978. This album is a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the genre's most innovative minds. With its intricate compositions and virtuosic performances, "3 Phasis" stands as a towering achievement in the world of jazz, a work that continues to inspire and challenge listeners more than four decades after its release.