What makes The Eighth by Cecil Taylor notable?

The Eighth has been noted for its ambitious length and deep improvisational nature, reflecting the complexities of Taylor's artistic vision. It is recognized within the avant-garde music community for pushing boundaries and influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians through its non-traditional structures and themes. When released in 1986, The Eighth marked Cecil Taylor's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus from recording. This album followed his innovative yet challenging approaches in the 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing his continued evolution as a leading figure in avant-garde jazz.

How many songs are on The Eighth?

The Eighth has 2 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

The Eighth

Cecil Taylor · 1986

69 min · 2 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of improvisation where chaotic rhythms and dissonant harmonies intertwine in a vibrant avant-garde tapestry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Calling It the 8th — This extended piece serves as the centerpiece of the album, showcasing Taylor's dynamic piano techniques and intricate rhythmic structures, embodying his improvisational mastery.
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Calling It the 9th — This shorter track contrasts with the lengthy opener, offering concentrated bursts of energy and spontaneity that highlight Taylor's ability to maintain tension and engagement within a brief format.

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 showcases ambitious improvisation and unique soundscapes, reflecting Taylor's avant-garde style.

What we noticed

The album consists of two lengthy tracks, each over 20 minutes, allowing for extensive improvisation and exploration of themes.
Each track features a wide range of dynamics, with sudden shifts from quiet, introspective passages to intense, chaotic bursts of sound.
The use of dissonance is prevalent throughout, creating a complex tapestry that challenges conventional harmonic structures.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Calling It the 8th 58:10
2 Calling It the 9th 10:50

What to play next

Listen next

Jumpin' Punkins

1987

Go back to

Winged Serpent

1985

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

avant-garde music jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata