Taylor Made Piano: A Jazz History

National Public Radio has produced a fascinating and innovative 13-part survey of jazz. This series did not seek to reeducate those already steeped in what jazz was all about but, rather, told the non-musician listener enough to heighten interest in and understanding of this great musical form. Jazz musician Billy Taylor was able to tell the story of jazz from his own important perspective-that of a performing artist. And he did the telling with such care and attention that the listener was treated to a new knowledge of the rise of jazz from its African tribal music roots to the strong position it occupies in today’s musical world.