What makes Praxis by Cecil Taylor notable?

This album is significant for its ambitious length and structure, consisting of four extensive pieces that showcase Taylor's innovative approach to improvisation and composition. While not commercially successful, 'Praxis' has been revered by critics for its complexity and depth, placing it among Taylor's essential works in the avant-garde jazz canon. By 1982, Cecil Taylor was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, having released several influential albums since the late 1950s. 'Praxis' arrived during a period of intense creativity and experimentation for Taylor, following his landmark work 'Unit Structures' and representing his continued evolution as a pianist and composer.

How many songs are on Praxis?

Praxis has 4 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

Praxis

Cecil Taylor · 1982

77 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of avant-garde jazz that intertwines chaotic rhythms with intricate piano improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Praxis Part I — The opening piece sets the tone for the album with its dynamic interplay between rhythm and melody, highlighting Taylor's virtuosic piano technique.
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Praxis Part II — This track delves into a more abstract territory, featuring unconventional structures that challenge listener expectations and demonstrate Taylor's avant-garde philosophy.
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Praxis Part III — With its extended improvisation sections, this piece showcases the spontaneous creativity that defines much of Taylor's work, inviting listeners into an unpredictable sonic landscape.

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's ambitious structure and intricate improvisation highlight Taylor's innovative approach to jazz.

What we noticed

Each of the four tracks exceeds ten minutes, allowing for extended improvisational passages that evolve organically.
The piano often interacts with percussive elements in a call-and-response manner, creating a dynamic interplay between chaos and structure.
The album features abrupt shifts in tempo and intensity, with moments of quiet reflection contrasting sharply with frenetic bursts of sound.

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.