Looking Ahead/Stereo Drive

Dive into the exhilarating world of Cecil Taylor's "Looking Ahead/Stereo Drive," a masterful blend of free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz. Released on September 9, 2006, by Poppydisc, this album is a testament to Taylor's innovative spirit and his enduring influence on the genre.

"Looking Ahead/Stereo Drive" features ten captivating tracks that showcase Cecil Taylor's virtuosic piano playing and his unique approach to composition. The album opens with "Luyah," a powerful and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include "African Violets," "Wallering," and "Just Friends," each offering a different facet of Taylor's musical genius.

The album is a reissue of two classic Cecil Taylor recordings from 1958 and 1959. The first, "Stereo Drive," originally featured John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, along with a stellar lineup of jazz greats including Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Chuck Israels on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. The second, "Looking Ahead!," further solidifies Taylor's status as a pioneer in the world of avant-garde jazz.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "Looking Ahead/Stereo Drive" is a comprehensive journey through Cecil Taylor's groundbreaking work. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

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.