For Olim Explained

For Olim
Type:live
Artist:Cecil Taylor
Cover:For Olim.jpg
Released:1987
Recorded:April 9, 1986
Genre:Free jazz
Length:44:27
Label:Soul Note
Prev Title:Amewa
Prev Year:1986
Next Title:Olu Iwa
Next Year:1986

For Olim is a live album by Cecil Taylor recorded in Berlin, Germany on April 9, 1986 and released on the Soul Note label. The album features a solo concert performance by Taylor.

According to the liner notes, the word "Olim" is "an Aztec hieroglyph meaning movement, motion, earthquake."[1] The album is dedicated "to the living Spirit of Jimmy Lyons," the alto saxophone player who worked with Taylor for roughly 25 years, and who died a little over a month after the recording of the album.[2]

Reception

The Penguin Guide to Jazz selected this album as part of its suggested "Core Collection" stating "nothing here does anything but speak directly to the attentive listener."[3] The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states: "One of Cecil Taylor's most satisfying solo concerts, this date features the always uncompromising and adventurous pianist exploring eight of his compositions, including a few that are quite brief (two are under two minutes). The difficult but lyrical live set rewards repeated listenings".

Track listing

All compositions by Cecil Taylor.

  1. "Olim" - 17:41
  2. "Glossalalia Part Four" - 5:44
  3. "Mirror and Water Gazing" - 4:01
  4. "Living (Dedicated to Julian Beck)" - 6:59
  5. "For the Death" - 1:33
  6. "For the Rabbit" - 3:41
  7. "For the Water Dog" - 1:44
  8. "The Question" - 3:04

Personnel

piano

Notes and References

  1. For Olim . . liner notes . 1987 . . SN 1150.
  2. Web site: Jimmy Lyons: Biography . Kelsey . Chris . AllMusic . February 23, 2021.
  3. Book: Cook . Richard . Richard Cook (journalist) . Morton . Brian . Brian Morton (Scottish writer) . . 2008 . 9th . . 978-0-141-03401-0 . 1381.