In East Berlin
Cecil Taylor · 1989
144 min · 11 tracks · jazz · avant-garde music
A sprawling exploration of avant-garde soundscapes where chaos and structure intertwine in a dense musical tapestry.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its ambitious length and structure, reflecting Taylor's improvisational style while also addressing the socio-political landscape of East Berlin post-unification. It received critical acclaim for its daring approach, marking a continuation of Taylor's influence on both jazz and contemporary classical music forms.
- Career context
- Released in 1989, 'In East Berlin' came during Cecil Taylor's prolific phase as a revered innovator in avant-garde jazz. At this point, Taylor had already established himself as a leading figure since the 1950s, continuing to push boundaries with complex compositions and improvisational techniques. The album showcases his long-standing commitment to experimentation and live performance dynamics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bob Dylan· John Coltrane· Diana Ross· Thelonious Monk· Barbra Streisand· Christina Aguilera· Prince· Miles Davis
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Reinforced Concrete, Part 1 Standout 13:46
- 2 Reinforced Concrete, Part 2 20:33
- 3 Reinforced Concrete, Part 3 30:22
- 4 Stone, Part 1 1:47
- 5 Stone, Part 2 1:13
- 6 Stone, Part 3 1:13
- 7 The Old Canal Standout 2:00
- 8 Stone, Part 4 1:47
Disc 2
- 1 Puuc, Part 1 Standout 38:25
- 2 Puuc, Part 2 22:37
- 3 Puuc, Part 3 11:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.