Cecil Taylor - Erzulie Maketh Scent (FMP, 1989)

This post is by Dan

Cecil Taylor (p)

Recorded July 16, 1988

Erzulie Maketh Scent is a 75-minute improvised solo performance, one of many in Cecil Taylor's discography. I am not able to discuss Taylor's recordings in great depth, and I have only a handful of his albums in my collection, less than 10% of his total output. Some free improvisation bewilders me, but some of it resonates for me in ways that more conventional jazz does not. Taylor's solo concerts are not for every day listening, but they are always rewarding if you suspend expectations and pay attention.

The three main parts of the performance range between 17 and 33 minutes. The divisions between parts I, II, and III are not clear markers because the pauses are short, and the consequent playing is basically like the previous parts. The exception would be Part III, which employs more intense clusters during its finale. The audience, held in rapt silence during all three parts, erupts with applause at the end of Part III. Taylor then plays two short encores, "Water" and "Stone," which complete the concert. 

It's frankly difficult to explain Taylor's approach in solo recitals. To quote from the booklet notes: 

"Taylor combines differing techniques (eg. single notes, runs, arpeggios, block-chords), different keyboard registers, different tempos and types of attack. During the actual listening process the continuous outpouring of ideas hardly allows analysis of the music using any so-called conventional criteria." 

I agree. I wish I had words that better capture what my ears are hearing. 

The technique is easier to appreciate than the artistic contributions. Taylor's speed and precision are breathtaking, which is remarkable given his percussive force even in the quieter passages. 

I highly recommend engagement with this concert. Who knows what Taylor's outpourings might bring to open and attentive ears?