It’s a Grand Night For Swinging – 2006
Billy Taylor
A hard-charging performance with an all-star group
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Dr. Billy Taylor was so well-known during his lifetime as a spokesman for jazz, whether on television, radio or in the classroom, that his talents as a pianist were sometimes overlooked.
Here he is in 2006 at the age of 85 leading an all-star group through a blazing version of his minor-toned blues “It’s A Grand Night For Swinging.”
Featured are tenor-saxophonist Frank Wess, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, guitarist Russell Malone, bassist Chip Jackson, and Billy Taylor with supportive playing from drummer Winard Harper.
Excellent as all of the other soloists are, Billy Taylor takes honors.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald