I think Billy was unfairly underrated, overlooked, taken for granted because he did so many things--all well. He announced radio programs; he had outreach programs to communities, bringing live jazz to them; he was an unfaltering spokesperson for jazz, representing the entire tradition with his speech and his demonstrations (even on William F. Buckley's TV show); he graduated from the "informal school of bebop" (once considered an essential step in the evolution of any great jazz musician); he knew the "standards" of the Great American Songbook and could play them all--fearlessly, inventively, memorably. (That Songbook is inseparable from jazz history from Louis thru Coltrane: you couldn't have jazz without the songbook; you wouldn't have had composers like Berlin without jazz.) He was one of the great jazz pianists. I've got a late '50s album by Billy on ABC Paramount: "Live at the London House." Listen to him on a blues, "Midnight Piano." You can literally hear him breathe at the end of each inspired phrase. He had an inimitable voice on piano, easily identified in a blindfold test. When I taught my first college jazz class in 1970, I used a comprehensive filmstrip series written by Biliy and using his narration. Years later I would meet Billy and have a chance to thank him for the series, which I used throughout the 1970s. To my surprise, he said: "Really? You're the first person who has ever mentioned that project to me." That's the way this business goes. The celebrity status, the awards, the big money does not necessarily go to the most knowledgeable, talented, and rhetorically gifted. No one has come close to filling the role of Billy Taylor. (Certainly, Wynton has the ability. But in the last 15 years he's discovered the price you pay for coming off as "learned," "literate," having standards and opinions. Rather than unfairly be dismissed as an "elitist," Wynton has chosen restraint and accepted playing opportunities, regardless of their actual worth and historic value. With the outlandish awards currently going to mediocre musicians (with a gimmick, a back-story, the right references), I hope that Wynton eventually steps up to the plate and calls out the Emperor's New Clothes.
He has the biggest pair of glasses in jazz. I also heard he has the biggest heart, and in my opinion he is one of the best jazz pianists that ever lived!
Oh my God, what a loss. A supendous jazz pianist, educator and an all out ambassador for this American made music called JAZZ. I was fortunate to meet him, at the Mutual Musicians Foundation here in Kansas City, Missouri, and the wealth of knowledge he leaves behind will perpetuate his love of jazz. Dr. Taylor will never be forgotten.
Had the pleasure of seeing him perform live in the early 80's at the college I was attending at the time. One of the most mesmerizing performances I've ever had the chance to witness.
Performing at the Cork and Bib, Westbury, L.I. in 1956, Billy Taylor stopped the waiters from serving drinks as they stood still mesmerized by his playing.
Great clip, Dr Taylor is really quite the musician. Chip Jackson and I played in local rock bands together when we were just seeds, he was always a few steps up on us. He was a fine friend and a great talent ,I have not seen him in several years now, it's great to see the clip.
Mr. Primack, is there a possibility to obtain the changes for the tune? I can catch about a half of it, but being a lousy listener I cannot get the other one. Thanks, engloute
I remember finding this video shortly after my curiosity about Dr. Billy Taylor lead me to your TH-cam page, almost a decade ago! I'm probably responsible for about 200+ plays on this video alone, because the chokehold CAG had over me while I was in High School 😅
How wonderful of you to feature Billy Taylor, composer of "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free". Today, July 24th 2016 is the 95th anniversary of his birth. Please check out my youtube channel "Remember our Music" an historical site which daily honors a great African-American musician like Billy Taylor, Bill Lee, John Wesley Work, Josephine Premice and Noble Sissle, all born in the month of July!
Billy Taylor was an absolute Giant in our midst. I never heard him less than "eloquent"--not even a hesitation in his well-reasoned, thoughtful talk about jazz--its history, its significance, its innovators, its uniqueness, its identifying elements. And he wrote books, got a Ph.D., broadcast jazz, created community outreach, performed with all of the jazz legends (at Birdland), always sober among junkies, and remained one of the best 10 if not 5 best jazz pianists on the planet.
I saw Billy play in New York at the Hickory House on several occasions and had an opportunity to speak with him when working for ABC. He was a special man, who shall forever live within me and my love for his music. He brought jazz to so many young people and influenced so many others. I'm gonna miss you Billy....we all will miss you. Howie Soule
I’m right with the rest in thinking that the late Dr. Billy was one of the greatest jazz piano players ever, and one of the most underrated. On the other hand, I don’t think he ever cared too much about accolades or plaudits, and his quiet confidence is always evident in his playing. He was a great teacher and promoter of jazz and everything about him was shot through with his love for and his great gifts for jazz and piano. Truly a beautiful person whose standards never wavered. The song C-A-G appeared on an album called “White Nights in Leningrad” back around the late ‘80’s or early ‘90’s, I think. I like that version slightly more than I do this live version, which does, of course, sparkle. WNIL was produced on Billy’s label, “Taylor Made (TM)” and is now out of print, as are many records. RIP, Dr. Billy.
On Piano Jazz this week they replayed a show featuring Dr. Taylor. He explained how he came up with this song. It can be heard by going to the NPR Piano Jazz website.
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I think Billy was unfairly underrated, overlooked, taken for granted because he did so many things--all well. He announced radio programs; he had outreach programs to communities, bringing live jazz to them; he was an unfaltering spokesperson for jazz, representing the entire tradition with his speech and his demonstrations (even on William F. Buckley's TV show); he graduated from the "informal school of bebop" (once considered an essential step in the evolution of any great jazz musician); he knew the "standards" of the Great American Songbook and could play them all--fearlessly, inventively, memorably. (That Songbook is inseparable from jazz history from Louis thru Coltrane: you couldn't have jazz without the songbook; you wouldn't have had composers like Berlin without jazz.)
He was one of the great jazz pianists. I've got a late '50s album by Billy on ABC Paramount: "Live at the London House." Listen to him on a blues, "Midnight Piano." You can literally hear him breathe at the end of each inspired phrase. He had an inimitable voice on piano, easily identified in a blindfold test.
When I taught my first college jazz class in 1970, I used a comprehensive filmstrip series written by Biliy and using his narration. Years later I would meet Billy and have a chance to thank him for the series, which I used throughout the 1970s. To my surprise, he said: "Really? You're the first person who has ever mentioned that project to me."
That's the way this business goes. The celebrity status, the awards, the big money does not necessarily go to the most knowledgeable, talented, and rhetorically gifted. No one has come close to filling the role of Billy Taylor. (Certainly, Wynton has the ability. But in the last 15 years he's discovered the price you pay for coming off as "learned," "literate," having standards and opinions. Rather than unfairly be dismissed as an "elitist," Wynton has chosen restraint and accepted playing opportunities, regardless of their actual worth and historic value. With the outlandish awards currently going to mediocre musicians (with a gimmick, a back-story, the right references), I hope that Wynton eventually steps up to the plate and calls out the Emperor's New Clothes.
caponsacchi Thanks for sharing your insights. Totally agree!
Wholeheartedly Agree!!!!!!!
I agree 100% with you.
BEING SOMEWHAT o l d I SAW HIM PLAY OFTEN AT tHE HICKORY hOUSE ON 52 ST IN THE 1960 S W Grady Tate on Drums, at one period
I’m here because of Square One
The OG
He has the biggest pair of glasses in jazz. I also heard he has the biggest heart, and in my opinion he is one of the best jazz pianists that ever lived!
it just doesn't get any better than this, brilliant
Oh my God, what a loss. A supendous jazz pianist, educator and an all out ambassador for this American made music called JAZZ. I was fortunate to meet him, at the Mutual Musicians Foundation here in Kansas City, Missouri, and the wealth of knowledge he leaves behind will perpetuate his love of jazz. Dr. Taylor will never be forgotten.
first class :)
Had the pleasure of seeing him perform live in the early 80's at the college I was attending at the time. One of the most mesmerizing performances I've ever had the chance to witness.
Performing at the Cork and Bib, Westbury, L.I. in 1956, Billy Taylor stopped the waiters from serving drinks as they stood still mesmerized by his playing.
Great clip, Dr Taylor is really quite the musician. Chip Jackson and I played in local rock bands together when we were just seeds, he was always a few steps up on us. He was a fine friend and a great talent ,I have not seen him in several years now, it's great to see the clip.
ha i finally got it why the title of this song is CAG
it took me a while but i got it lol
Mr. Primack, is there a possibility to obtain the changes for the tune? I can catch about a half of it, but being a lousy listener I cannot get the other one.
Thanks, engloute
One of the best musicians of all time
And people, as well.
I to saw him live at the Hickory House 60s
Just an awesome performance, every time Grady Tate drums and then another younger guy, name escapes me
aw man i went to jazz in july too and it was such a great experience. learn so much from these guys!
My hands hurt just watching Chip Jackson...awesome solo...
10/10
Simply a genius...
The bass solo is amazing!
I remember finding this video shortly after my curiosity about Dr. Billy Taylor lead me to your TH-cam page, almost a decade ago! I'm probably responsible for about 200+ plays on this video alone, because the chokehold CAG had over me while I was in High School 😅
Love this video, as well.
How wonderful of you to feature Billy Taylor, composer of "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free". Today, July 24th 2016 is the 95th anniversary of his birth. Please check out my youtube channel "Remember our Music" an historical site which daily honors a great African-American musician like Billy Taylor, Bill Lee, John Wesley Work, Josephine Premice and Noble Sissle, all born in the month of July!
Billy Taylor was an absolute Giant in our midst. I never heard him less than "eloquent"--not even a hesitation in his well-reasoned, thoughtful talk about jazz--its history, its significance, its innovators, its uniqueness, its identifying elements. And he wrote books, got a Ph.D., broadcast jazz, created community outreach, performed with all of the jazz legends (at Birdland), always sober among junkies, and remained one of the best 10 if not 5 best jazz pianists on the planet.
I saw Billy play in New York at the Hickory House on several occasions and had an opportunity to speak with him when working for ABC. He was a special man, who shall forever live within me and my love for his music. He brought jazz to so many young people and influenced so many others. I'm gonna miss you Billy....we all will miss you. Howie Soule
One of the greatly underrated giants we ever had.
I’m right with the rest in thinking that the late Dr. Billy was one of the greatest jazz piano players ever, and one of the most underrated. On the other hand, I don’t think he ever cared too much about accolades or plaudits, and his quiet confidence is always evident in his playing. He was a great teacher and promoter of jazz and everything about him was shot through with his love for and his great gifts for jazz and piano. Truly a beautiful person whose standards never wavered. The song C-A-G appeared on an album called “White Nights in Leningrad” back around the late ‘80’s or early ‘90’s, I think. I like that version slightly more than I do this live version, which does, of course, sparkle. WNIL was produced on Billy’s label, “Taylor Made (TM)” and is now out of print, as are many records. RIP, Dr. Billy.
brilliant said!!! the biggest pair of glasses in jazz. That's true.
Needed this🙏🏾
2:19 - I wanna learn how to do that...
hes a beast on the bass
At 5.01 we see a grate bass solo till 6.36
then comes drums.I thing this is one of the best profetional job in filming and sound engeenearing rena...
Billy is great & Chip is awesome; also his trio at Lincoln Center for the young people on the educational channel.
On Piano Jazz this week they replayed a show featuring Dr. Taylor. He explained how he came up with this song. It can be heard by going to the NPR Piano Jazz website.
I went to a jazz camp and had Chip as my combo coach and Steve as my drum coach and theyre amazing guys, craziest musicians in jazz today
this is lovely thanks
Been relying on this video to listen to this song since high school. So incredible. One of my fav jazz tunes. Reminds me of jazz combo!!
Who is detaining you?
Another legend has entered into the great beyond. RIP DR. BILLY TAYLOR!
Killer bass solo Chip!
Chip is an excellent bassist, with Elvin, and then with Billy.
I wish I had the chance to see Billy Taylor live!!!!!
So incredibly soothing..
A sad day for jazz,RIP DR.BILLY TAYLOR
Wow! Thanks for posting....
gracias ,si pero no esta grabado en estudio?
this is fucking brilliant!
very nice for my ears
Does anyone know the name of this piece?
CAG
Thanks. I didn’t realize that CAG was the actual name of the piece.
Damn..... i do love it.
Cool