Happy 75th, Cecil

[Pete C]

[Pete C]

Hey, I just discovered that Cecil shares a birthday with Bela Bartok. This can't be a coincidence.

Allegro Barbaro, baby!

[MRS]

[crawjo]

[Brian Olewnick]

Thanks for everything, Mr. Taylor.

[shrugs]

Definitely.

My favorite pic of him is one of him in shirt, shorts and knee-high tube socks. He's on a lawn and is seen jumping while talking to the members of the European Orchestra that recorded Alms/Tiergarten(Spree). It's in the booklet that accompanies the 10 cd FMP set. I'll have to pull that out tonight.

[Derek Taylor]

Feliz cumpleanos, Cecil!

A few months back Helma Schlief of FMP sent out a mass invitation for folks to send in whatever written material they wanted about Cecil (reviews, interviews, reminiscences, well-wishes, etc.). They wrapped it all up in a bow & sent it Cecil’s way for his b-day. I’d love to learn his reaction upon arrival.

[Jonny Miner]

Saw Mr. Taylor play a full set for the first time last night. It's pretty rare to see someone play at the age of 75, and know that you're getting nothing less than his best at any age. He was doubtless as incredible as he's always been. Happy B-day CT!

[Sergio Zamora]

75 and still creating furiously beautiful art!

[Peterdubya]

I love Cecil's playing

[hearsay]

I got to meet the great Cecil Taylor the other day when he arrived at the Iridium, I even got to bring him his tea. The big band sounds quite interesting and nuanced, the musicians were a hoot too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bill Barton]

Happy belated birthday to one of the true giants of 20th and 21st Century music. A master! Thank you, Cecil!

[Il Anto]

I'm gonna have to pull out my copy of Nailed tonight

[Frisco]

I got into town to hear the sets on Cecil's birthday. What a joy to see this beautiful artist still in top form at 75. So sharp, energetic, and attentive to everything that is happening in the music. Looking to become engaged in every soloists spot. The two sets on Thursday were totally exhilarating, but varied as Cecil brought his compositions into the music and allowed segments for the group to break down into trio, quartets, etc... then having the others join back in and build the music up once again to a frenzy. I'm still buzzing.

Afterwards, Cecil, much of the band, friends, and hangers on (like myself) went down to 55 Bar to continue the celebration with drinks, champagne, birthday cake and a happy birthday song. I left about 2:30 and they were still going strong. Then back at it the next night.

I managed the first set on Friday and saw a totally different approach, as the band used much more space and Cecil interjecting some of his poetry and vocalizings. Some eerie segments for flutes and small instruments. I stuck around for the weekend for some excellent sets from Leo Smith, a Vision group with Sonny Simmons on English Horn and Karen Borca on bassoon, and also the Julius Hemphill Sextet with Oliver Lake! Perhaps I'll post a few comments in the Live Music section.

So, I hope we're all here to celebrate Cecil's 80th. Hell, make that his 76th!

[Captain Hate]

I feel very fortunate to have seen CT 3 times. I think he's one of the giants of music that, when he's gone, will leave a huge void. As it is, that he's able to maintain his level of performance is pretty inspiring.