by Ken DrydenBilly Taylor has become a jazz institution, with his multi-faceted role as a leading jazz musician, and jazz educator and spokesman, as well as serving several stretches in hosting both local and syndicated radio programs. Still going strong at 82, when this Prestige reissue CD became available in the fall of 2003, many of his longtime fans will finally get their first opportunity to hear some of his long unavailable early recordings. This compilation combines two trio dates with bassist Earl May and drummer Percy Brice: his 1954 Town Hall concert, and a studio session from the following year. His lush introduction to "I'll Remember April" is breathtaking, though it quickly shifts into a brisk bop setting when the rhythm section joins him. Brice's crisp brushwork underscores the light-hearted but swinging setting of "Sweet Georgia Brown." But the hidden gem of the concert is his heartfelt ballad, and tribute to his wife, "Theodora." The studio session consists primarily of Taylor's original compositions. It kicks off with the roller coaster bop of "Early Bird," a Charlie Parker-influenced original, followed by another original, the lovely "A Bientot," which has remained in the pianist's repertoire for decades. Taylor's "A Grand Night for Swinging," one of his best known works, is a swinging blues. Billy Taylor fans should seek out this CD immediately.