Billy Taylor At The London House

 

Midnight Piano

The Billy Taylor Trio

At The London House

Produced by Creed Taylor

Engineering: Bill Putnam

Cover Photo by Alan Fontaine

Cover Design by Bob Crozier

ABC-Paramount ABC-134

Recorded July 1956

Billy Taylor - Piano

Percy Brice - Drums

Earl May - Bass

From the back cover: It is extremely difficult to capture, in a recording studio, the spirit which the Billy Taylor Trio communicates when they are making a personal appearance. These three talented musicians obviously enjoy playing together, and the many varied moods they create are influenced and often enhanced by receptive audiences. With this in mind ABC-Paramount moved their microphones and equipment into Chicago's London House and under the direction of Bill Putnam, taped several of the trip's sets.

There are far too few night clubs and restaurants which present the music of groups like the Billy Taylor Trio under conditions which are as ideal as those of the London House. The well-tuned Steinway, the roomy bandstand, the excellent sound system and the unique arrangement of spotlights make this a great room for performer and listener alike. Even the staff does its part to help create a convivial atmosphere. It is not only a pleasure but a rarity to see waiters and waitresses, who hear the music every night, join the applause after a particularly enthusiastic rendition of Billy Taylor specialty. 

Billy Taylor has, of course, made many different types of albums but we think that this "in person" presentation of the way the trio sounded in July 1956 comes closer to what Billy Taylor fans are accustomed to hearing when they hear the group in a night club than anything else he has on records.

"Billy Taylor At The London House" has always meant standing room only and the applause following each number is ample evidence of the unique rapport Billy achieves, not only with the trio, but with his listeners as well. – Dan Sorkin, Station WCFL, Chicago, Ill.

The London House

It Might As Well Be Spring

Gone With The Wind

Love Is Here To Stay

Midnight Piano

I Cover The Waterfront 

Stella By Starlight