Cecil Taylor Unit: It Is In The Brewing Luminous

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: June 1, 2001

This newly released live set of the "Cecil Taylor Unit's" performance at New York City's "Fat Tuesday" venue, presents the listener with a stunning glimpse of the pianist's interaction with his then musical soulmate, alto saxophonist Jimmy Lyons. And while Lyons passed away in 1986, the twosome had been performing together since the 1960's throughout various aggregations as this outing also features the two drummer attack of Jerome Cooper and Sunny Murray, violinist Ramsey Ameen and bassist/cellist Alan Silva.

On "It Is In The Brewing Luminous - Part 1". Taylor commences with blues-drenched yet altogether abstract lines as the band gradually converges for what equates to a lissome foray of perpetual motion, featuring Taylor's swirling cadenzas, rapidly executed block chords and the band's ferocious polytonal-based interplay. Throughout, Lyons darts, jabs and spars with Taylor atop Ameen's often angular and steamy lines, while the rhythm section lays down the often hectic spark and oscillating pulse. Essentially, Taylor and co. embark upon a wanderlust of micro-themes, and blistering undercurrents amid gargantuan opuses and unsurpassed energetic spirit! Highly recommended.

Track Listing: It Is In The Brewing Luminous Part 1 & 2

Personnel: Jimmy Lyons; alto saxophone: Ramsey Ameen; violin: Cecil Taylor; piano: Alan Silva; bass & cello: Jerome Cooper; drums & African balaphone: Sunny Murray; drums

Record Label: Hat Hut Records
Style: Modern Jazz