Don't Tempt Me

In 1989 pianist Billy Taylor, who was between record contracts, started his own "Taylor Made" label to document his own music. On this excellent set with his trio (which also includes bassist Victor Gaskin and drummer Curtis Boyd), Taylor starts off with a slower than usual rendition of "Take the 'A' Train," performs two originals, and then concludes the program with five selections from his jazz suite "Let Us Make a Joyful Noise." Several of the latter pieces could stand on their own if played separately for they are excellent vehicles for chordal improvisation. The CD overall finds Billy Taylor in top form.