The Taylor Touch

by | Nov 22, 2024 | Sextet

Billy Taylor did it all … pianist, composer, educator, broadcaster, and worldwide ambassador for America’s Classical Music. More than just an avid spokesman for the jazz idiom, he fought for the recognition of Black musicians as key contributors to the American music scene, promoting jazz as a commentary against racial prejudice. For his performances and professional activities, Taylor (Dr. Taylor, actually) received two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a place in the Hall of Fame for the International Association of Jazz Educators.

His composition and radio theme, It’s a Grand Night For Swinging (top) features Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Frank Wess on tenor, Russell Malone playing guitar, Chip Jackson at the bass, and Winard Harper on drums. The video is from “An Evening with Billy Taylor” at the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild. Billy’s All Alone (bottom) is also an original composition from the same performance in September of 2006.

Billy Taylor – America’s Jazz Ambassador

by | May 5, 2024 | Quartet/Quintet, Stuff

Musician, composer, teacher and all around jazz ambassador, Dr. Billy Taylor’s musical career is legendary. More than just an avid spokesman for “America’s Classical Music”, he fought for the recognition of Black musicians as key contributors to the American music scene … promoting jazz as a commentary against racial prejudice. Despite being one of the most remarkable jazz pianists of all time, the recipient of honors and awards worldwide, through it all, Billy always managed to remain a true gentleman of honor and humility.

The top video is The Way You Look Tonight, at a 1997 Anniversary Concert with Dr. Taylor accompanied by his trio, plus Stanley Turrentine and Gary Burton. In the center is my updated 1989 interview with Billy, brought forward from our Jazz Scene Podcast Page. Finally, bottom most is a light Bossa-Nova rendition of Here’s That Rainy Day … recorded in 2001 with Billy Taylor (p), Chip Jackson (b), and Winard Harper (d), joined by jazz violinist John Blake, Jr.

Time Out With Billy Taylor

by Fred Masey | Podcast #007

Body and Soul – Billy Taylor

by | Nov 9, 2019 | Trio

On March 2nd 2000, The Billy Taylor Trio played this soulful but swinging arrangement of “Body and Soul” live at the Manchester Craftsman’s Guild in Pittsurgh, Pennsylvania.  Featured on piano was the great Dr. Billy Taylor, Chip Jackson was on bass and the amazing Winard Harper played drums. Dr. Taylor became the most prominent spokesman for the virtues of jazz and was the first to describe it as “America’s Classical Music”.

Take The ‘A’ Train – Billy Taylor & Dave Brubeck

by | Oct 7, 2018 | Quartet/Quintet

This rare performance of A-Train is from the Legends of Jazz, Piano Masters series with Ramsey Lewis hosting. For the first time in more than forty years, a American national network, PBS, aired a weekly program devoted to jazz.  The series aired in 2006 and lasted only 13 weeks, but has become available on both DVD and CD for continuing enjoyment by jazz buffs everywhere.

C-A-G – Billy Taylor

by | Apr 14, 2017 | Trio, Video

An original Billy Taylor composition, recorded in 2001 with Billy on piano, Chip Jackson on bass, and Steve Johns on drums.  The tune was written to show what can be done using only the title chord and its three basic notes C, A and G, masterfully manipulated throughout the song.