Dr. Billy Taylor (pictured with his trio) is a walking history of jazz. He began playing professionally in 1944, and in that capacity he has composed over 350 songs, performed with legends such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and led his own trio for decades. The numerous awards Taylor garnered as a performer and educator include 23 honorary doctoral degrees, two Peabody Awards, an Emmy, a Grammy, and the National Medal of the Arts. Most visibly, Taylor became the arts correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning in the 1980s. Now in his 80s, Taylor has retired from performing and touring regularly but continues to play special events and teach.

Lucky for us, Taylor has also decided to maintain his relationship with The Kennedy Center, which began over a decade ago when he was called to do a radio series. That position eventually led to his being named Artistic Director for the center's jazz series. "The thing I had to do was build a jazz program," he said. "Because I’ve worked with everybody, I would call on the people I worked with over the years."

Nowadays, finding jazz artists to play the Kennedy Center is not a problem, so instead Taylor's focus is on presenting unique programming and artists who deserve wider recognition. "It’s not a secret who the best people are," he said, "but it is a secret about who doesn't t get the recognition they deserve." Taylor cites vocalist Dianne Reeves and pianist Hank Jones as performers who he invited specifically because they are under-recognized. "There is so much to be learned from them," he declares.

While artists such as Reeves and Jones may not have the audience they deserve, Taylor wants to take his programs one step further and also highlight up-and-coming artists. "The whole idea is to bring people who are doing good work and who should get the attention we can bring."

So where does D.C. fit into this series that is mainly comprised of national touring acts? Taylor has plans for that as well. He said, "I hope to focus more on Washington. We’re trying to work with the Millennium Stage and other programs on a way to present Washington."

So without further ado, here is the Fall 2007 Kennedy Center Jazz Season. Later this year, we will tell you about the great shows that are coming to the center in Spring 2008.

Image by Jimmy Katz from Billy Taylor's website

The Cadillac Platinum Series

These are the marquee events of the season and present today's jazz superstars.

>> Vocalist Dianne Reeves has won four Grammies, has a three octave range, and is one of the most respected jazz singers around. Many will recognize her as the featured singer in the film Good Night, and Good Luck. Oct. 5 and 6 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available here. $50.

>> On Dec. 8, Terence Blanchard, the trumpeter whose CD and performance we recently reviewed, returns to the District for a multimedia event hosted by Spike Lee in which he will perform the music he composed for Lee's films. Tickets go on sale Oct. 12. $20-$45.

Louis Armstrong Legacy Vocalists

As the name would suggest, this series honors one of the greatest singers in jazz by presenting some of today's premier vocalists.

>> The Fall 2007 jazz season opens this Friday and Saturday with a tribute to the great Nat King Cole by Allan Harris, a traditional vocalist following in the footsteps of Joe Williams or Sinatra. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

>> The smooth baritone of Andy Bey comes to the KC Jazz Club for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets on Nov. 10. Tickets are $25.

>> Jane Monheit (pictured) has been making waves for several years now, but don't let her movie star looks grab your attention from her musical abilities. On Dec. 15, she will be performing two sets with vocalist/guitarist John Pizzarelli. 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Oct. 2. $30.

Art Tatum Piano Panorama

>> Only one performer will be tickling the ivories as part of this series this fall. Jacky Terrasson, who made his name playing with the great vocalist Betty Carter, will perform selections from his most recent album, Mirror, a solo piano effort. Oct. 20 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Beyond Category Concerts

They may not be the most celebrated events of the series, but they're the ones we find the most exciting.

>> Our pick for the fall series is Red Earth: A Malian Journey, featuring vocalist extraordinaire Dee Dee Bridgewater (pictured). In 2004, Bridgewater went to West Africa in search of her roots and fell in love with the music and culture of Mali. There she made a recording with local musicians, seven of whom will be joining her for this memorable concert. Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $45.

>> The Palladium was a hub of New York nightlife in the 1950s and was the center of the Latin music scene in the U.S. Pianist Arturo O'Farrill will lead the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and a host of dancers in a tribute to this place and era. Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $45.

Discovery Artists

This series is dedicated to up-and-coming musicians.

>> Saxophonist Benny Reid's recent album, Findings, is garnering raves. He performs Oct. 19 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

>> Pianist Tigran Hamasyan (pictured) won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition in 2006. The Armenian native has been singled out by critics as a future star. October 26 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

>> Pianist Gerald Clayton, son of legendary bassist John Clayton, was a finalist in the aforementioned Monk competition. He performs on Nov. 9. Tickets are $15.

Other Notable Performances

>> Genre-bending and blending saxophonist Oliver Lake makes his "about damn time" Kennedy Center debut with a quintet featuring Hammond B-3 organ, drums, trumpet, and DJ. Oct. 12 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

>> Saxophonist Greg Osby brings his progressive quintet for a performance on Oct. 27. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

>> Bassist John Patitucci, who has performed with Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, and a host of others, comes to the Ken Cen for a Nov. 2. performance. $15.

>> The Django Reinhardt Festival takes place on November 16 and 17. For its third KC Jazz Club engagement, this exciting event features father-son guitarists and festival favorites Dorado and Samson Schmitt, both known for their fervor and dedication to Reinhardt's music and legacy. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.

>> NPR's Jazz Piano Christmas will take place on Dec. 6. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

>> Vocalist Patti Austin will bring in the jazzy New Year on Dec. 31 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $65.

Images taken from artist websites