  cecil percival taylor (born new york city, 15 march 1929) is an american pianist and poet.yanow, scott (2008). [ "cecil taylor biography"], allmusic. classically trained, taylor is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of free jazz. his music is characterized by an extremely energetic, physical approach, producing complex improvised sounds, frequently involving tone clusters and intricate polyrhythms. his piano technique has been likened to percussion, for example described as "eighty-eight tuned drums" (referring to the number of keys on a standard piano). he has also been described as "like art tatum with contemporary-classical leanings". ==early life== taylor began playing piano at age six and studied at the new york college of music and new england conservatory. after first steps in r&b and swing-styled small groups in the early 1950s, he formed his own band with soprano saxophonist steve lacy in 1956. taylor's first recording, jazz advance'
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