RIP Billy Taylor

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

Mr Taylor died of a heart attack last Tuesday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Taylor

a major contributor to the cause and art of jazz

[Ian Thumwood]

Billy Taylor always seemed indefatigable. There is an interesting chapter about him and his role in jazz education in the Gene Lees book "Meet me at Jim and Andy's." I suppose he had a similar position in jazz education as Sir John Dankworth over here.

The whole education system in the US with regard to jazz is fascinating and Taylor must have had a big role in the way that the music has burgeoned within the colleges. From what I have read about him, he was extremely commited to this as well as enjoying a respectable position within the media who often seem to seek his opinion. I don't think the role of good educators can be under-estimated but I would be fascinated to find out who taught Taylor to play jazz and just how much of the "old authentic" process of teaching has crept through into the formal system. This has always intrigued me as go to any course today and you have all sorts of chords and scales thrown at you. I can't believe that Taylor was taught in this fashion yet am fascinated as to how Taylor and his peers learned the mechanics of jazz improvisation.

[BLUESNIK'S REVOX]

Alyn's Jazz Library interview etc. with Billy (2009?) was very fine, and as I remarked at the time, Doc Taylor seemed incredibly young and articulate. A much respected figure.

Hope for us all as we wave our bus passes at the transport authority.

BN.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

http://www.jazzwax.com/2009/04/interview-billy-taylor-part-1.html

part 1 0f 5 good interviews with Mr Taylor, excellent info on learning to play jazz as a youngster

[Tenor Freak]

I've only just read about this on the Guardian. Obit here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/dec/30/billy-taylor-obituary

RIP

[charles t]

Living here in States, had opportunity to hear Billy Taylor in early 90's.

Also remember his comment during one of those (long-ago) afternoon panel sessions at Newport, where he singled-out Stan Getz as an example of a 'virtuoso' player.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

a tribute concert on NPR

http://www.npr.org/2011/01/06/132704459/billy-taylor-on-jazzset

....blimey that concert is a life enhancing experience ....prefaced by a stunning display of virtuoso improvisation on The Man I love from a trio date in 1980, the main event is Billy Taylor's farewell concert at Lincoln Centre with his trio and Jon Faddis playing music of Dizzy Gillespie ... and they are in coruscating form .... phew ....