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.
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]
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]
