When Jaki Byard (1922-1999) played, you'd hear the history of jazz piano, from ragtime and stride to swing, bebop, and the avant-garde. The Worcester, Massachusetts native, though influenced by such greats as Bud Powell and Art Tatum, developed a unique, immediately recognizable style. Here, recorded in the mid-to-late '60s with such able compatriots as trumpeter Jimmy Owens, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Billy Higgins, Byard is magnificent. He swings in a modern-minded manner on "Olean Visit," offers a piquant emulation of Jelly Roll Morton on "Spanish Tinge," goes funky on "Alexander's Ragtime Band," delivers sprays of notes à la Cecil Taylor on the title track, and strides like mad on "GEB Piano Roll." There are also two examples of Byard as a singing-toned, resourceful alto saxophonist.

with Jaki Byard, Jimmy Owens, Paul Chambers, George Tucker, Billy Higgins Alan Dawson