Because of his tireless work as a jazz educator, author, and TV correspondent, it's easy to overlook the fact that Dr. Billy Taylor is one of today's most comprehensive pianists, as this brilliant and buoyant solo recording--only the second of his more-than-50-year career--shows. In this invigorating mix of bop tunes, ballads, and original compositions, Taylor's septuagenarian swing marvelously encapsulates an encyclopedic range of jazz pianisms into his own personal idiom. On the standards, "Wrap Your Troubles in My Dreams," "Tea for Two," "Laura," and "My Heart Stood Still," Taylor's dedication to melody is only surpassed by his intricate and articulate solos that sing as well as swing. His take on Cole Porter's "Night and Day," and his own offering, "Easy Like," show off his rock-steady, stride-influenced left hand. His other tunes--the Bud Powell-paced "Early Bird," the reflective "Solo," and the willowy "Can You Tell by Looking at Me?"--are more like spontaneous compositions than simple improvisations. With this CD, one can get a first-rate education in America's classical music, thanks to Dr. Taylor's pianistic prowess. --Eugene Holley Jr.