SIMPLY JAZZ on I SPY SOUL with legendary drummer, Art Taylor

In 1993, SIMPLY JAZZ, a half-hour program was created to present Jazz in a contemporary format unlike most programming presented up to that time, was born. The acclaimed program, that ran for three years, was shot on location at acclaimed jazz clubs throughout NYC, and included produced segments as well as rare interviews with venerated figures and then burgeoning stars in the world of jazz. Now through the retrospective SIMPLY JAZZ on I SPY SOUL, a look back is provided at some of these interviews.

For this look back we revisit Part 1 of a two - part interview segment on Simply Jazz from a 1993 show with legendary drummer, composer, and bandleader, Art Taylor .

The significance of Taylor's influence and contribution to so so many amazing jazz gems and the sound of the scene itself during, in particular, the 1950’s and 60’s just can not be overstated. He masterfully kept the time for a who’s who of jazz icons and greats like Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Bud Powell, Red Garland, Miles Davis, Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean and many more appearing on records such as Coltrane’s Giant Steps, Miles Davis’s Miles Ahead, The Amazing Bud Powell and Monk’s Town Hall Recordings to name a scant few.

His releases as a leader, including those with a rotating ensemble of amazing players called Taylor’s Wailers, continued to not only confirm his genius on the drums, but highlight his talent as a composer and bandleader with later iterations into the later part of his life becoming a revered institution for outstanding young talent.

Art Taylor in 1995 at the age of sixty - five he left us with obviously still much valuable insight and beautiful playing to offer. Enjoy this look back.