For Olim

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.

For Olim
Live album by Cecil Taylor
Released	1987
Recorded	April 9, 1986
Genre	Free jazz
Length	44:27
Label	Soul Note
Cecil Taylor chronology
Amewa (1986) For Olim (1987) Olu Iwa (1986)

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

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[3]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings	[4]

The Penguin Guide to Jazz selected this album as part of its suggested "Core Collection", stating that "nothing here does anything but speak directly to the attentive listener."^[4] 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".^[3]

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

• • Recorded in Berlin, Germany on April 9, 1986

Personnel

• Cecil Taylor: piano

References

1. For Olim (liner notes). Cecil Taylor. Soul Note. 1987. SN 1150.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
2. Kelsey, Chris. "Jimmy Lyons: Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
3. Yanow, Scott. "Cecil Taylor: For Olim". AllMusic. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
4. Cook, Richard; Morton, Brian (2008). The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings (9th ed.). Penguin. p. 1381. ISBN 978-0-141-03401-0.