Cecil Taylor, master of music, thought and leader of the Free Jazz movement has passed on or through or over to the side with Duke and Sun and all of those piano gods. We were fortunate to hear him. I was fortunate through the work of Min Tanaka, to have close contact with Cecil in the early 1990s; in NYC and at Jacob’s Pillow. Sitting in a room with Cecil meant that you were listening to him talk or play; and he was more than a giant.
So many memories.
Sitting with Cecil and Trudy Morse in 1994 or 95 at the Blue note, (or was it Sweet Basil?), and we heard Cassandra Wilson; and some jazz trio. Cecil moved up right next to the stage, to hear better. I stayed in the back with Min and Trudy. Cecil commanded the space, like MIn and together they reached heights beyond music and dance.
And his birthday party at then Spageteria, now Pangea. They knew his drink — champagne and Kir (cherry liquor), yummy, sparkling and sweet.
These are my memories. Forever in my heart and ears.
