This classically trained pianist was one of the true pioneers of free jazz.  His playing style is powerful and intense, almost fierce. He was quoted describing his style as utilizing “eighty eight tuned drums”.  Many of his recordings are considered signature moments in the evolution of free jazz.  One Allmusic critic said of Taylor that “no jazz music of the era approached the ferocity and intensity of Cecil Taylor's”.  This is a beautiful recording that captures Taylor with a brilliant group of powerful musicians. It is one of his last recordings with long term band partner and friend, Jimmy Lyons on alto. The album was released on New World Records in 1978, number NW 201.  This is the original release of the album. The vinyl still has its bright original luster though with several light surface scratches. It plays through just fine but with light background noise throughout and several small tics. The vinyl grades G. The gatefold album cover shows ring wear and corner and edge wear including a nine inch split on the open side of the bottom seam.  The other seams are sharp, tight, and intact. There is a large sticker with the catalog number on the front. The cover grades VG.

Track List:

Idut

Serdab

Holiday En Masque

Grading Information:

I always clean and listen to every record I list on eBay. I do this to make sure I can give as accurate a description of each record as possible.  I do both a visual check and an audio check. I always attempt to give as objective a grading as I can.

I use four grades in grading:  NM, VG+, VG, and G.  The only exception is a sealed album which is presumed to have vinyl in mint condition. Sealed albums may not be returned. My NM grading means that the vinyl looks and plays as though it is the first time out of the sleeve. The VG+ rating is used on any album that plays great but has one or two small defects. It may have a pop here and there or some occasional background noise. On a VG album you can expect that, typically, this album will play great, but you’ll see more defects than your VG+ rated album.  Most often the VG rated album may even play well enough to be graded VG+, but the color or blemishes drop the grading. Likewise, you may occasionally find an album that looks almost NM but the sound quality just isn’t there. That’s why I play every album first.  In this case the vinyl will be graded VG. 

Occasionally I will list an album with a grade of G. This is one where I consider the collectible value of the album to be great enough that the copy being presented is worth owning as a filler copy. Albums graded G are not returnable.

Shipping Information – Combined Shipping:

The shipping cost will be based on the weight of your package. For Media Mail, shipping is $6.00 in the continental U.S. I will happily combine records from multiple auctions to reduce total shipping cost. In fact, I welcome it! Shipping will be $6.00 in the U.S regardless of the number of auctions won in any 5-day period.

Canada shipping is calculated based on weight using US Postal Service rates.  Combined shipping is also welcomed here and does result in significant per-album cost savings. The first album will typically cost approximately $24. Additional albums will be shipped for $6 per album, with up to four pounds able to be shipped before we need to use International Priority shipping.

Shipments to outside the US and Canada will vary depending on your country. Typically, the cost per album will be no more than $30.  Combined shipping is welcome here as well, at a cost of $10 per additional album up to the maximum of four pounds.

All albums will be shipped in specially designed album hard cardboard mailers with a cardboard insert to prevent damage upon opening.  The vinyl is removed from the cover and presented in a new poly sleeve.  I am committed to one day turnaround on shipments.  If I receive payment before 7:00 AM Central Time I will package and ship that same day.

Thanks for looking and please contact me with any questions.