Conversations With Tony Oxley

Recorded live at the Chamber Music Hall of the Berliner Philharmonie, "Conversations With Tony Oxley" captures a historic meeting between legendary pianist Cecil Taylor and renowned drummer Tony Oxley. Released posthumously in 2018, just days after Taylor's passing, this album is a testament to the pianist's enduring legacy and innovative spirit. Spanning a generous 78 minutes, the album presents four extended improvisations that showcase the unique dialogue between Taylor's explosive, percussive piano style and Oxley's responsive, dynamic drumming.

Taylor, known for his groundbreaking contributions to free jazz, pushes the boundaries of the genre with his intricate, polyrhythmic playing. Oxley, meanwhile, complements and challenges Taylor with his subtle, yet powerful, drumming. The interplay between the two musicians is nothing short of mesmerizing, as they weave together a tapestry of sound that is both complex and captivating.

The album is a powerful exploration of improvisation and collaboration, with each "Conversation" offering a unique perspective on the musicians' shared language. From the opening notes of "Berlin Conversation 1" to the final bars of "Berlin Conversation 4," the album is a thrilling journey through the minds of two jazz masters. Fans of free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop will find plenty to love in this extraordinary live recording. The album was released by Jazzwerkstatt and features four tracks.

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.