What makes Olu Iwa by Cecil Taylor notable?

This album is notable for its ambitious length and structure, pushing the boundaries of jazz and avant-garde music in a manner that few contemporaries dared to attempt. It has been recognized for its critical reception within the jazz community, often cited in discussions about Taylor's unique contributions to the genre and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Olu Iwa marked a significant period in Cecil Taylor's career as it was released in 1987, during a time when he was consolidating his reputation as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz. Following his acclaimed works in the 1960s and 70s, this album showcases his continued evolution as an innovator, particularly through its expansive form and intricate textures.

How many songs are on Olu Iwa?

Olu Iwa has 2 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

Olu Iwa

Cecil Taylor · 1987

75 min · 2 tracks · jazz

A sprawling, improvisational exploration that intertwines complex rhythms with vibrant, expressive piano melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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B Ee Ba Nganga Ban’a Eee! — The lengthy track captures Taylor's improvisational mastery, allowing listeners to experience the full depth of his musical language over nearly an hour of dynamic expression.
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Olu Iwa (Lord of Character) — This piece serves as a reflective counterpoint to the opener, featuring intricate piano lines that delve into themes of identity and character through sound.

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's ambitious structure and improvisational depth highlight Taylor's unique approach to jazz.

What we noticed

The album consists of two lengthy tracks, each featuring extended improvisational sections that explore intricate piano lines and complex rhythms.
The second track features a gradual build-up of intensity, incorporating varied tempo changes and rhythmic shifts that challenge conventional jazz structures.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 B Ee Ba Nganga Ban’a Eee! 48:21
2 Olu Iwa (Lord of Character) 27:09

What to play next

Listen next

Jumpin' Punkins

1987

Go back to

The Eighth

1986

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

avant-garde music jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata