Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come - Live At The Cafe Montmartre, 1962 - Cecil Taylor

Cecil Taylor's "Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come - Live At The Cafe Montmartre, 1962" is a seminal work in the world of free jazz, capturing the legendary pianist in a live setting that showcases his unparalleled virtuosity and innovative approach to music. Recorded on November 23, 1962, at the Café Montmartre in Copenhagen, Denmark, this double album offers a complete and unfiltered experience of Taylor's groundbreaking performance.

The album features a dynamic setlist that includes iconic tracks like "Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come" and "What's New," alongside several untitled improvisations that highlight Taylor's spontaneous and exploratory style. With a duration of nearly two hours, the album provides an extensive journey through Taylor's unique musical landscape, blending elements of free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop.

Originally released in 1975 on Arista/Freedom, this reissue on the Revenant label brings together the full set from Taylor's historic performance. The album is a testament to Taylor's enduring influence and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Cecil Taylor or a newcomer to his work, "Nefertiti, The Beautiful One Has Come - Live At The Cafe Montmartre, 1962" is an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.

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.