One of the great drummers of the 1950s, Art Taylor was on a countless number of hard bop and jam session-styled sessions. His first important gig was with Howard McGhee in 1948, and this was followed by associations with Coleman Hawkins (1950-1951), Buddy DeFranco (1952), Bud Powell (1953 and 1955-1957), and George Wallington (1954-1956). Taylor seemed to live in Prestige's studios during the second half of the 1950s, although he found time to lead his Wailers, visit Europe with Donald Byrd in 1958, gig and record with Miles Davis, and play with Thelonious Monk (including his acclaimed Town Hall concert) in 1959. In 1963, Taylor moved to Europe where he spent most of the next 20 years (mostly living in France and Belgium), playing with Europeans and such Americans as Dexter Gordon and Johnny Griffin. He interviewed scores of his colleagues and collected many of the insightful discussions in his very readable book Notes and Tones (which was reprinted in 1993). After returning to the U.S., Taylor resumed his freelancing, and in the early '90s he organized a new version of the Wailers which, during its short existence prior to his death, temporarily filled the gap left by the end of the Jazz Messengers. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
After playing in the bands of Howard McGhee, Coleman Hawkins, Buddy DeFranco, Bud Powell, and George Wallington from 1948 to 1957, he formed his own group, the Wailers. Between 1957 and 1963 he toured with Donald Byrd, recorded with Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and performed with Thelonious Monk; he also was a member of the original Kenny Dorham Quartet of 1957. In 1963 he moved to Europe, where he lived mainly in France and Belgium for 20 years, playing with local groups and with touring American musicians. He continued freelancing after returning to the United States, and in 1993 organized a second band called the Wailers.
He is the author of Notes and Tones, a book based on his interviews with other musicians.
