“The thing about his piano playing is that his musicality is always first class. When we played ballads, the voicings he would use, especially with strings behind him, would just be superb. He has that way with chords. And when it came to the up tempo things, he would razzle dazzle you so it was always enjoyable playing with him.” Bobby Thomas, Drummer Billy Taylor Trio Billy Taylor has consistently selected artists of exceptional stature to accompany him and the combination of piano, bass and drums is one which pleases even the most uninitiated ear. The Trio’s comfortable blend of musicianship creates a rapport between its members nearly as infectious as the music itself. In jazz parlance, the Billy Taylor trio cooks; its compelling rhythms move even the impassive. This cohesive and dynamic unit has been entertaining at home and abroad while serving as a super sales instrument for jazz by providing a better understanding of American music. Over the years, the Billy Taylor Trio has included: Bassists Charles Mingus, Earl May, Oscar Pettiford, Paul West, Chris White, Larry Ridley, Joe Benjamin, George Duvivier, Bob Cranshaw, Dave Williams, Buster Williams, Lisle Atkinson, Aaron Bell, Martin Rivera, Wilbur Bascomb, Victor Gaskin, Doug Watkins, Henry Grimes, Clyde Lombardi, John Levy and Chip Jackson. Drummers Jo Jones, Kenny Dennis, Grady Tate, Dave Bailey, Billy Cobham, Bobby Thomas, Candido, Grassella Oliphant, Harold White, Joe Harris, Leonard Gaskin, Charlie Smith, Denzil Best, Ed Thigpen, Percy Bryce, Freddie Waits, Harold White, Walter Perkins, Ray Mosca, Kenny Dennis, Frank Gant, Louis Hayes, Richie Pratt, Keith Copeland, Curtis Boyd, Steve Johns and Winard Harper. "As a bass and piano together, we were really tight. He could anywhere on the piano and never lose me. That was a gift that only a few people have. He could disguise the bass note to be played with a chord he was playing, and nine times out of ten I could find it. Billy did everything in the world for me and I owe him everything." Earl May