Jazz Piano at its Best
Billy Taylor gets my toes tapping with "Impromptu," a short piece of jazz piano. The variety of drumming stands out, especially as the rat-a-tat of the drumsticks on the rim serves as a perfect background for Taylor's flying fingers. Taylor grew up in Washington and went on to play with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie in the 1940s. Sixty years later, he still lives up to his reputation as a jazz piano legend. In "Impromptu," the improvised sections and choruses swirl together and culminate in a surprisingly emotional ending. We can only sit back in awe and marvel at Taylor's wide range of playing styles showcased in just a few minutes. Taylor recently retired from live performing but continues to serve as the Artistic Advisor for Jazz to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
By Louise Pierce |
February 28, 2006; 02:45 PM ET
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