Cecil Taylor

No one has ever accused Taylor of channeling some heavenly light.

by Shaun Brady

jazz

Attention is most often paid to the spiritual side of John Coltrane's experimentation, the inner quest that lent a mystical aura that helped open-minded audiences grasp his more outré excursions. But by including Cecil Taylor in their 80th birthday tribute to Coltrane, Ars Nova draws attention to his more neglected side: the aggressively intellectual musician. No one has ever accused Taylor of channeling some heavenly light. Even those audiences prepared for his driving, percussive approach have been confounded when he takes his time approaching the instrument, dancing and vocalizing in low, guttural tones on his way to the bench. It's been noted that Ornette Coleman took Coltrane's advancements to the next level, only at the same time — but the more overlooked Taylor was there as well, among the first to integrate modern classical concepts into free jazz. Hard to know what to expect from this solo performance, but isn't that the point?

Sat., Nov. 4, 8 p.m., $35, International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.