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Billy Taylor 1991 Peaceful Warrior UNIQUE Handwritten Jazz CompositionBook NoPub

$ 2111.99

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Condition: Very Good, Composition pages in excellent condition, paper covers have use wear
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Modified Item: No

    Description

    Billy Taylor composed Peaceful Warrior in 1991 (or finished in in late 1990/early 1991) and it was performed once at an arts festival held in Tucson for two years (1990 and 1991) at the University of Arizona call Festival in the Sun.  Incredible performers in numerous areas of dance, music, etc, from all over the world came.
    This composition book was left on a seat in Centennial Hall after the one and only public performance of the Peaceful Warrior suite.  As a trustworthy minion who had been Billy Taylor's (and Victor and Bobby's, who made up the rest of the BT Trio in those days) driver/ security/gopher it was put in my care and since they had already headed back to New York word was basically hang on to this until next time they come out and we can give it to him.  But, alas, there never was a next time and I have had it stored for 30 years now.
    Twice since he passed I have tried to contact the Billy Taylor Music site managers with no luck.  I feel weird having it because it is just a thing that sits in a box at my house.  Or maybe I should say this should go to someone who could get it played.
    I got to help out/hung out with those guys on at least three visits.  I can not express what an impact they had on me- my 22 year old self with a spiky mohawk driving around with famous New York Jazz guys was quite a sight.  Billy gave me a CD and an umbrella that mean quite a bit more to me.  If you would like more information regarding the provenience of this original composition please feel free to contact me and I can provide a wealth of information as needed.
    Black paper covered book is 12 by 21 inches with the title on the cover and Billy's name.  I tried to show some images of various different parts of the composition:  First is It's A Matter of Pride 1-33; next is His Name was Martin p34-93; then Heritage, Billy started numbering pages at 1 again so 1-23; 4th is If You Really Are Concerned p24-49.  So nearly 150 original, unique, handwritten pages in total.
    Perforations on the black paper Back cover are torn from the spiral binding at the top half or so.  Cover is rough, interior is pristine.
    There is no other, it was never published, it was performed once, it needs a proper home.  I love it, I cherish it, I just look at it.
    I wold like to find the right person or school-museum to come forward who should have this.
    I also have about 300 photographs from the 1920 to 1970s from the papers of Alto Sax player Joseph Hayman.  He played with EVERYONE from going with Josephine Baker to France on her first trip  he stayed and played with more famous people than you can believe.  I have what may well be the only images of the Harlem Rythem Makers, from the time right at the start of WWII when they were playing Alexandria, Egypt including a gig at the Shah of Iran's wedding (yes, that Shah).   Would be happy to talk with the right person about these as well- His life would make an outstanding movie and I have a considerable amount of background history put together.