The Willisau Concert cover

The Willisau Concert

Released

Recorded in Austria in 2000, this might be Cecil Taylor’s heaviest solo album. He’s playing the 97-key Bösendorfer Imperial and taking full advantage of the nine extra bass keys, particularly on the 50-minute track that makes up the bulk of the performance. His percussive style is on display throughout; the romantic asides that are the other side of his playing arrive less often than on albums like Air Above Mountains and Garden. Still, this is breathtakingly beautiful music.

Phil Freeman

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