The Billy Taylor Trio: What Is Improvisation?

Join legendary jazz pianist, composer and educator Dr. Billy Taylor and his trio (Chip Jackson on bass and Steve Johns on drums) as they explore "America's classical music" and answer the question "what is improvisation?" The trio performs jazz standards ("Titoro," "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free," "C Jam Blues"), improvises new music on the spot based on audience ideas, and invites a group of students on stage to perform (recorded in 1995 at C. D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, VA).

Music
Discussion/Spoken Word
Jazz

More Video to Explore

Digital Stage

Watch extraordinary performances from the Kennedy Center's stages and beyond.

Digital Stage+ Noseda and the NSO Perform Beethoven鈥檚 Fifth Symphony

Free to Members and Subscribers

Famed for its four-note opening, Beethoven’s Fifth is imaginative, violent, and brimming with drama.

Noseda and the NSO Perform Beethoven鈥檚 Fifth Symphony

In-Person and Livestreamed Millennium Stage

Wed. - Sat. at 6 p.m. ET

Experience something extraordinary live from the Kennedy Center. Attend in person or watch our livestreams and explore a video archive from over 20 years of great performances.

草莓视频免费版app Honors

Explore our deep archive of video highlights from this annual event paying tribute to our nation's preeminent artists with performances by the great stars of today who have followed in their footsteps.

Watch the Full Show with a free Kennedy Center account.

草莓视频免费版app