Art Taylor – Taylor’s Wailers – Analogue Productions (Prestige 7117) 180g Vinyl

In 1956 drummer Art Taylor formed a group called Taylor’s Wailers. Donald Byrd and Charlie Rouse were members of the working group that debuted at The Pad, a Greenwich Village nightclub on Sheridan Square booked by Bob Reisner, the man who had run the legendary Open Door Sessions. In 1957 Taylor recorded the Wailers for Prestige, adding the alto saxophone of Jackie McLean to the front line. Two of the highlights are the Thelonious Monk compositions, “Well, You Needn’t” and “Off Minor,” with arrangements by Thelonious himself. One track, “C.T.A.,” by Jimmy Heath, is from another session featuring John Coltrane backed by Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and Taylor, a potent Prestige studio combination in those days. There have been many distinguished drummer-leaders in jazz. One expects their groups to be rhythmically exciting. Taylor’s Wailers are no exception to this swinging heritage.

Originally released in 1957

Art Taylor, drums
Donald Byrd, trumpet
Jackie McLean, alto saxophone
Charlie Rouse, tenor saxophone
John Coltrane, tenor saxophone
Ray Bryant, piano
Red Garland, piano
Wendell Marshall, bass
Paul Chambers, bass 

Track Listings