What makes Leaf Palm Hand by Cecil Taylor notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious length and complexity, particularly the title track that stretches over 42 minutes. It has been praised for pushing the boundaries of jazz, contributing to discussions around improvisation and structure in music, and has influenced generations of avant-garde musicians seeking to explore similar depths. By 1989, Cecil Taylor was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, known for his pioneering work since the 1950s. 'Leaf Palm Hand' marked a continuation of his exploration into uncharted territories of sound, following his acclaimed album 'The Beauty or the Feast' released just a year prior, showcasing his relentless innovation and technical prowess.

Who is Leaf Palm Hand for?

Leaf Palm Hand works well if you're into long central piece for reflection, immersive exploration of improvisation and cathartic resolution in sound.

How many songs are on Leaf Palm Hand?

Leaf Palm Hand has 5 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Leaf Palm Hand

Cecil Taylor · 1989

69 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A sprawling, intricate tapestry of avant-garde jazz that challenges conventional structures with its improvisational depth and rhythmic exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Leaf Palm Hand — The title track exemplifies Taylor's unique blend of rhythmic intricacy and emotional resonance, inviting listeners into an immersive sound world that evolves continuously over its lengthy duration.
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Stylobate 1 — Opening the album, this nearly 18-minute piece showcases Taylor's virtuosic piano technique and his ability to create elaborate sonic landscapes filled with dynamic contrasts.
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Chimes — At just under four minutes, this track serves as a moment of reflective tranquility amidst the larger pieces, highlighting Taylor's capacity for brevity and focused expression within his expansive style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and unique structures, making it a standout in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The title track, 'Leaf Palm Hand', is a 42-minute improvisational piece that explores complex rhythmic patterns and dynamic shifts.
Each of the five tracks features extended sections where musicians engage in spontaneous dialogue, often overlapping and responding to one another.
The album opens with a brief, structured introduction before transitioning into more abstract and free-form sections, creating a contrast in pacing.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long central piece for reflection
immersive exploration of improvisation
cathartic resolution in sound
dynamic shifts in pacing

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1989, Cecil Taylor was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, known for his pioneering work since the 1950s. 'Leaf Palm Hand' marked a continuation of his exploration into uncharted territories of sound, following his acclaimed album 'The Beauty or the Feast' released just a year prior, showcasing his relentless innovation and technical prowess.
Stylistic neighbors: Sun Ra· Ornette Coleman· Anthony Braxton