Live At Cafe Montmarte

Recorded live at the legendary Café Montmartre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on November 23, 1962, "Live At Cafe Montmarte" is a seminal work by the pioneering jazz pianist Cecil Taylor. This album, released in 1963, captures Taylor in his prime, showcasing his unique style that had significantly evolved since the late 1950s. With a running time of just under 46 minutes, the album is a powerful testament to Taylor's innovative approach to free jazz and hard bop.

The album features five tracks: "Trance," "Call," "Lena," "D Trad," and "That's What." Each piece is a masterclass in improvisation and musical exploration, highlighting Taylor's virtuosic technique and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz. The album was originally released on the Debut label and has since been reissued multiple times, including a limited edition 2x CD release in Japan in 1997.

"Live At Cafe Montmarte" is celebrated for its raw energy and groundbreaking performances. Critics have hailed it as one of the greatest live recordings in jazz, praising its seminal material and the explosive energy that Taylor brings to each track. The album features a spiritual pairing of players, with Cecil Taylor on piano, Yusef Lateef on a range of creative reeds, and Adam Rudolph on a host of earthy percussion instruments.

This album is a essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection, offering a rare glimpse into the live performances of one of the genre's most influential figures. The recording quality and the intensity of the performances make it a standout release in Cecil Taylor's discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of Cecil Taylor or a newcomer to his music, "Live At Cafe Montmarte" is an album that demands to be heard.

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.