What makes CT: The Dance Project by Cecil Taylor notable?

CT: The Dance Project received critical acclaim for its ambitious fusion of jazz and dance elements, marking a significant contribution to the avant-garde genre. The album not only highlights Taylor's improvisational prowess but also attracted attention for its exploration of movement and sound, influencing contemporary jazz artists and dancers alike. Released in 2008, CT: The Dance Project is one of Cecil Taylor's later works, showcasing his continued innovation in the avant-garde jazz scene. At this point in his career, Taylor had already established himself as a pioneering figure, known for his intense live performances and unique approach to piano composition. This album reflects his lifelong dedication to exploring new musical territories.

How many songs are on CT: The Dance Project?

CT: The Dance Project has 4 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

CT: The Dance Project

Cecil Taylor · 2008

39 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A swirling tapestry of avant-garde jazz, blending ethereal melodies with complex rhythms and improvisational mastery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Looking Into the Universe — This track opens the album with an expansive soundscape that encapsulates Taylor's cosmic inspirations, drawing listeners into his unique musical vision. Its lengthy duration allows for deep explorations of rhythm and texture.
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Feeling — With its intricate interplay between piano and percussion, this track exemplifies Taylor's ability to evoke emotion through abstract structures, reflecting the profound connection between music and physical sensation.
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Willing — This piece showcases Taylor's skillful use of dynamics and pacing, creating a sense of urgency that propels the listener forward while maintaining an ethereal quality throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and a seamless flow, marking it as a distinctive work in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks that often exceed ten minutes, allowing for extensive improvisation and exploration of themes.
Each piece transitions fluidly into the next, creating a continuous flow rather than distinct separations between tracks.
Complex rhythmic patterns are layered throughout, with piano and percussion interacting in intricate ways that challenge conventional jazz forms.

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

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Looking Into the Universe 11:00
2 Emerging From the Cosmic Exterial 4:19
3 Feeling 12:12
4 Willing 11:45

What to play next

Listen next

The Last Dance

2009

Go back to

Algonquin

2004

Full Cecil Taylor discography Where to start with Cecil Taylor Artists like Cecil Taylor

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata