White Nights and Jazz in Leningrad

For this well-rounded set, the debut release from his Taylor-Made label, pianist Billy Taylor and his trio (with bassist Victor Gaskin and drummer Bobby Thomas) are featured performing live from Leningrad in the Soviet Union. The music is typically straightahead and surprisingly only one of the nine numbers ("C-A-G") is a Taylor original. Highlights include a pair of Clare Fischer's better-known songs ("Pensativa" and "Morning"), "Secret Love," Wes Montgomery's "Jingles" and a touching version of "A Child Is Born." One of the better Billy Taylor CDs currently available.