What makes Remembrance by Cecil Taylor notable?

'Remembrance' is significant for its collaboration with drummer Louis Moholo, which brought South African jazz influences into Taylor's avant-garde realm. The album received critical acclaim for its ambitious structure and improvisational depth, reaffirming Taylor’s importance in the jazz canon during a time when the genre was evolving rapidly. Upon the release of 'Remembrance' in 1989, Cecil Taylor was already an established figure in avant-garde jazz, having released numerous influential albums since the late 1950s. This album marked a continuation of his exploration of free improvisation and complex rhythmic patterns, showcasing both his virtuosity and unique compositional voice, particularly following his earlier works like 'Silent Tongues' in 1974.

How many songs are on Remembrance?

Remembrance has 3 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.

Remembrance

Cecil Taylor · 1989

65 min · 3 tracks · jazz

A sprawling tapestry of dissonant piano lines and intricate rhythms that defy conventional jazz structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Remembrance — The title track stands out for its extensive length and serves as a showcase for Taylor's signature style, blending intricate piano work with expansive improvisation that challenges listener expectations.
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The Great Bear — This piece exemplifies Taylor's ability to weave together disparate sonic elements into a cohesive narrative, reflecting his deep connection to both jazz tradition and avant-garde experimentation.
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Stone — At just over a minute long, this brief interlude contrasts sharply with the lengthy compositions, highlighting Taylor's dynamic range and willingness to experiment with silence and brevity.

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 textures, marking it as a significant work in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album consists of three lengthy tracks, each featuring extended improvisation that often shifts abruptly between dissonant piano phrases and complex rhythmic patterns.
Cecil Taylor's piano work is characterized by rapid, percussive strikes that create a dense texture, while Louis Moholo's drumming introduces polyrhythmic elements that enhance the overall complexity.
Each track develops organically, with sections that build tension before releasing into quieter, more introspective moments, creating a dynamic ebb and flow.

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 Remembrance 42:29
2 The Great Bear 21:20
3 Stone 1:35

What to play next

Listen next

The Hearth

1989

Go back to

Alms/Tiergarten

1989

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

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata