Billboard : 07/14/1956
Score of 78

This is the second 12-inch set of reissued Taylor sides from Prestige, all of which have been brightened in the remastering. Cover also is similar to Vol. 1, not too attractive. But this program includes some of the bright pianist’s best: That’s All,Tenderly, My One and Only Love, etc. Program can help sell this to pop buyers, and deejays will find plenty of practical program fodder here.

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Liner Notes by Ira Gitler

When Prestige began its 12 inch series, one of the objectives was to bring up to date, through remastering processes, some of its best older sides. This has been carried out in part and has been met with a warm reception from everyone. Not only is there better sound but there is more music.

In these two volumes there is just about the most definitive collection of Billy Taylor to be found anywhere. It is music of many moods; for listening, dancing, relaxing and romancing. Billy has been recognized by fans and critics alike as one of the most facile, heart-warming pianists in jazz today. He hwas a way with a ballad that soothes as it permeates your psyche. When he moves to upper tempos, there is a happy lilting drive that would get the grouchiest person up and off merrily on a stormy Monday. Between Billy, Earl May and Charlie Smith there is a wonderful rapport, which makes the other rapport, between the trio and anyone who listens, the puissant thing that it is.