Billy Taylor Jazz Music World

“For me jazz is a personal expression,” Billy Taylor has said, “It’s a combination of a wide range of experiences.”

Dr. Billy Taylor’s compositions express his eclectic viewpoint and are modern and melodic, utilizing blues, early American folk themes and spirituals.

 

Some of his best known works integrate jazz and symphony orchestra. “Peaceful Warrior,” dedicated to Martin Luther King, was commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony and its premiere featured the Billy Taylor trio and a choir of a hundred voices. Taylor’s six movement suite, “Make a Joyful Noise,” a jazz worship service, was originally commissioned by Tufts University. The piece, premiered by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, was inspired by the 97th psalm and is in the tradition of Ellington Sacred Concerts.

 

His “Suite For Jazz and Orchestra,” was commissioned by Maurice Abravenal and was premiered, with Taylor at the piano, in Mormon Tabernacle. “Impromptu,” an earlier work often appears on Taylor’s symphonic programs.

 

“For Rachel,” a dance suite, was collaborative effort with choreographer Rachel Lampert, and was commissioned by the University of New Hampshire.

 

Conversations - Jazz Violin, Jazz Trio and Symphony Orchestra

 

Fiesta In Tucson - 18 Piece Jazz Band

 

For Rachel

 

Homage - Jazz Trio and String Quartet

 

Impromptu - Jazz Trio and Orchestra

 

Peaceful Warrior - Orchestra and Chorus

 

Suite For Jazz Piano And Orchestra

 

Theme and Variations - For Trio and Symphony Orchestra