What makes Alms/Tiergarten by Cecil Taylor notable?

'Alms/Tiergarten' received critical acclaim upon release, praised for its boundary-pushing approach to jazz. The album is significant within the avant-garde movement, influencing many contemporary musicians who seek to expand the definitions of jazz and improvisational music. By 1989, Cecil Taylor was already a prominent figure in avant-garde jazz, having established his unique style over three decades. 'Alms/Tiergarten' marked a period of continued innovation following his earlier works like 'Silent Tongues' and 'In Florescence', showcasing his ability to blend complex improvisation with rich sonic landscapes.

How many songs are on Alms/Tiergarten?

Alms/Tiergarten has 2 tracks, running approximately 122 minutes.

Alms/Tiergarten

Cecil Taylor · 1989

122 min · 2 tracks · jazz

An expansive exploration of sound where intricate piano motifs engage in a dialogue with atmospheric textures and unconventional rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Involution / Evolution — This track epitomizes Taylor's intricate interplay between the piano's melodic lines and abstract soundscapes, revealing the depth of his improvisational mastery.
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Weight – Breath – Sounding Trees — The lengthy composition serves as a canvas for Taylor's innovative techniques, blending rhythm and texture in a way that challenges traditional jazz forms.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and distinctive avant-garde elements, rewarding repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album features two lengthy tracks, each exploring complex piano improvisations that shift in dynamics and tempo.
Intricate motifs are layered with atmospheric textures, creating a dense soundscape that evolves throughout each piece.
Unconventional rhythms and syncopation drive the interaction between the piano and the accompanying instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.