Search - Cecil Taylor :: 3 Phasis

A maelstrom of a piano concerto.

Douglas T Martin | Alpharetta, GA USA | 06/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""3 Phasis" is a through-composed work, more avant-classical than jazz, recorded at the last of the four sessions that also yielded "The Cecil Taylor Unit" for New World records, NW-201. The line-up for this recording consists of alto saxophonist Jimmy Lyons, trumpeter Raphé Malik, violinist Ramsey Ameen, bassist Sirone, and drummer Ronald Shannon Jackson. The linernotes, written by Gary Giddens, detail how the work came about: originally a 30 minute suite, the sixth take (released here) grew into a 57-minute piano concerto as the producer watched the clock. The work starts with a plaintive wail as the horns and bowed strings play the first dirge-like melody. Other melodies and themes are introduced by the piano and the work grows into a typical-Taylor maelstrom. At the 30-minute mark the band falls into a staggering march and Jimmy Lyons cuts loose on alto. Sometimes violent, sometimes elegant, the work explores various combinations of instruments in duos, trios, and of course, solo piano. After nearly an hour of fireworks the music ends quietly, with solo piano and a final rattle of percussion. And like all Cecil Taylor recordings, this one's for Cecil Taylor fans only."