Out to loyalty to a former painting professor’s good musical tastes, I keep trying Cecil Taylor. I think of him as a kind of analytical cubist jazz player. I recently picked up a used copy of Love for Sale (Blue Note, 1959) and have given it repeated listenings, which is not always the case with this artist. I recommend the title cut for those who are a little bit brave and curious. Love for Sale made me revisit my copy of New York City R&B (Candid, 1961.) “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be” is a hoot, including a brief and wonderful solo by trumpeter Clark Terry, of all people!

For those listeners interested in really good drummers, Dennis (or Denis) Charles is on the 1959 set, and Billy Higgins is on the 1961.