What makes Double Holy House by Cecil Taylor notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious length and structure, particularly the second track that pushes the boundaries of jazz conventions. It has been influential within the avant-garde scene and has received critical attention for its complex interplay of sound, showcasing Taylor's unique voice as a composer and performer. By the time 'Double Holy House' was released in 1993, Cecil Taylor was an established figure in avant-garde jazz, known for his innovative piano techniques. This album came after a decade of prolific output, marking a continuation of his experimental approach following works like 'The Last Poets' in 1989.

How many songs are on Double Holy House?

Double Holy House has 2 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Double Holy House

Cecil Taylor · 1993

61 min · 2 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of avant-garde jazz, where dissonant harmonies intertwine with frenetic rhythms and improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Double Holy House 1 — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intense improvisation and intricate melodic lines, highlighting Taylor's virtuosic piano skills.
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Double Holy House 2 — Spanning nearly an hour, this second track represents a monumental piece of avant-garde music, featuring layered textures and spontaneous dialogue between instruments that challenge traditional 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 ambitious improvisation and complex structures, characteristic of Taylor's avant-garde style.

What we noticed

The album consists of two lengthy tracks, each over 20 minutes, allowing for extensive improvisation and thematic development.
The first track features rapid shifts in dynamics and tempo, creating a sense of unpredictability throughout its duration.
Dissonant harmonies are prevalent, with the piano often layering complex chords that challenge conventional jazz structures.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Double Holy House 1 6:33
2 Double Holy House 2 54:56

What to play next

Listen next

Amewa

1995

Go back to

Looking (Berlin Version) Corona

1991

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

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata