“By 1962, American pianist Cecil Taylor had been at the fringes of the jazz establishment for several years. His angular, percussive attack and unconventional harmonic sense bred controversy among players and listeners alike and proved at odds with most rhythm sections. While embraced by progressive critics--even voted ‘new star’ by Down Beat--Taylor passed most of that year with few gigs and many hours of work as a dishwasher to show for it. At least, he has said, he knew why he was washing dishes: a personal decision following the death of his father in 1961 to be faithful to his own artistic vision at all costs. This commitment, combined with an intensely creative gestation period during which Taylor's Unit firmly meshed, led to his decisive break through the last barrier hindering his musical voice: the barline.

Cecil Taylor: piano
Jimmy Lyons: alto saxophone
Sunny Murray: drums