Rosslyn
Released
British pianist John Taylor was a lyrical scientist, a humble successor of Bill Evans—and yet, his leader debut is rarely mentioned. With bassist Marc Johnson (whom Evans discovered) and drummer Joey Baron, he crafts a set of seven. Four of those tunes are his own, including the prismatic title track, while the impressionism of Kenny Wheeler’s “Ma Bel” and balladry of Ralph Towner’s “Tramonto” share breathing room with Irving Berlin’s “How Deep is the Ocean.” Deeper secrets in those chestnuts are on full display, as is the familiarity of the new. All the while, Taylor listens and responds.