Cecil Taylor interview

White, Conrad · December 17, 1975

In this clip Jazz musician Cecil Taylor talks about the meaning of Art in a community. Overall the program introduces the topic of African American music in the United States, in particular, jazz, with its ability to convey the great range of emotions of the human spirit via its improvisational nature. Host David Crippens introduces performance segments by the Ali Yusef Trio and the Webster Lewis Septet, interviews with Cecil Taylor and the owner of Crawford's Grill (a famous jazz nightclub in Pittsburgh, PA), "Information" on "new music" and what it means, "Dealin'" with Cecil Taylor (who defines jazz), "Commentary" by professor and historian A.B. Spellman on the lack of new African American music on Boston radio stations, and segment interludes with Cheryl Bibbs, Gerald Durley, and Wolf Mandrill (of the musical group Mandrill). Produced by Marita Rivero. Directed by Conrad White.