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Andrew Cyrille, William Parker & Enrico Rava: 2 Blues For Cecil
ByWhat Six Encomiums... and 2 Blues For Cecil share is the resolve to pay homage without direct imitation. A wise choice given the often frenetic and byzantine nature of Taylor's work. Cyrille, Parker, and Rava all had a history with Taylor-led groups; the drummer and bassist, extensively. Rava's flugelhorn (he doesn't play trumpet on 2 Blues For Cecil) takes the lead on all ten tracks. "Improvisation No. 1" and "Improvisation No. 2" reveal an intent to spontaneity with restrainta quality Taylor did not often subscribe to. "Blues For Cecil No. 1" proves Rava to be adept at the blues even when emerging from the inner workings of this independently thinking rhythm section. "Overboard" is an absorbing meeting of the primitive and melodic. The trio closes the album with an understated reading of its only cover, "My Funny Valentine."
There is a native talent that comes with being top-tier members of the elite old guard of avant-garde and free jazz. For all their collective experiences and influences, Cyrille, Parker, and Rava are beholding to no particular inspiration. Their invoking of Taylor is simply an acclamation of the unprecedented spirit of his creativity. They summon Taylor's essence and do so stunningly, without going quite as far into the unknown as Taylor would likely have ventured. 2 Blues For Cecil offers a metaphorical calm within the storm that embodied the pianist.
Track Listing
Improvisation No 1; Ballerina; Blues for Cecil No. 1; Improvisation No. 2; Top, Bottom and What's in the Middle; Blues for Cecil No. 2; Enrava Melody; Overboard; Machu Picchu; My Funny Valentine.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Enrico Rave: flugelhorn.
Album information
Title: 2 Blues for Cecil | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: TUM Records
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