John Taylor Trio: Rosslyn

Superlative piano trio music from Britain's John Taylor joined by American friends Marc Johnson and Joey Baron, and with a repertoire that includes original Taylor tunes, music by friends Kenny Wheeler and Ralph Towner, plus the evergreen "How Deep Is The Ocean" 'Rosslyn' is actually the first ECM album issued under the veteran pianist's name - although he's recorded 18 previous discs for the label over 25 years (with Peter Erskine, John Surman, Miroslav Vitous, Arild Andersen, Kenny Wheeler, Jan Garbarek and Azimuth). This is the group that's come to be known as Taylor's "New York" trio with Johnson on bass Joey Baron on drums (the same rhythm team which powered John Abercrombie's excellent 'Cat 'n' Mouse'). Too long a "musician's musician", it's high time that Taylor's exceptional musical gifts are showcased, centre-stage at last, in his 61st year. Ian Carr has noted in The Rough Guide To Jazz: "Taylor has absorbed all his influences and developed into one of the finest pianists in jazz. The hallmarks of his style are long flowing lines and sonorous harmonies, and the same qualities are evident in his compositions." Foremost amongst those "influences" was pianist Bill Evans, and that historical connection is clarified here with the presence of the redoubtable Marc Johnson who was Evans's last bassist. Recorded 2002 Personnel: John Taylor - (piano), Marc Johnson - (bass), Joey Baron - (drums)