At Angelica 2000 Bologna
Cecil Taylor · 2020
120 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A sprawling tapestry of avant-garde jazz intertwining complex rhythms with profound spoken word reflections.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dance of All Seasons, Part 1 — The opening piece sets the tone for the album with its extensive improvisational sections that showcase Taylor's dynamic piano work and intricate interplay with silence.
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Rap: Through the Devotion to Sound to Make Words — This track exemplifies Taylor's integration of spoken word into his musical lexicon, emphasizing the relationship between sound and language in a deeply personal manner.
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Dance of All Seasons, Part 2 — Continuing from the first part, this piece deepens the exploration of thematic motifs while expanding on rhythmic complexity and emotional intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThis album showcases intricate compositions and a unique blend of free jazz and spoken word, though it may not appeal broadly.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks are lengthy instrumental pieces that build complex layers of sound, featuring rapid shifts in dynamics and tempo.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions, moving from dense improvisation to moments of silence or audience interaction.
- The final track serves as a reflective conclusion, summarizing themes introduced earlier while maintaining an abstract structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
- extended exploration of rhythm
- immersive sound tapestry experience
- thought-provoking spoken word segments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, straightforward tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'At Angelica 2000 Bologna' was released, Cecil Taylor was regarded as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz, having developed his unique style over decades. This album followed a significant hiatus since his last studio release, marking a return to recorded music that showcased his enduring innovation and mastery of improvisation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman· Anthony Braxton
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Rap: No-One Has the Ownership of Pure Genius
The moment shifts from abstract concepts to a direct challenge against conventional notions of creativity and ownership in art.
This pivot emphasizes a philosophical stance on artistic expression, positioning genius as collective rather than individualistic.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Dance of All Seasons, Part 1 26:34
- 2 Dance of All Seasons, Part 2 26:51
- 3 Dance of All Seasons, Part 3 12:35
- 4 Audience/Applause 1:31
Disc 2
- 1 Rap: Dance of All Seasons / Possessing a Door 10:03
- 2 Rap: The Arc of Suspension 7:33
- 3 Rap: No-One Has the Ownership of Pure Genius 5:02
- 4 Rap: Through the Devotion to Sound to Make Words 3:20
- 5 Rap: I Have Many People That I Bow To 8:24
- 6 Rap: The Ingredient of Life 11:48
- 7 Rap: And Then You Usually Have a Good Time 3:44
- 8 Montage of Meanings: No Matter What 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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