Cecil Percival Taylor (born in March 25, 1929) is an American pianist and poet. 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".