Billy Taylor's Trip to Kansas City

Billy Taylor died December 28. The pianist is seen here 52 years ago with a group of musicians associated with Count Basie's band. Taylor sounds excellent, but it's impossible to outshine Mr. Five by Five, Vic, Vice Prez and Buck. I could watch this brilliant clip all day.

Jimmy and Buck: Ain't Nobody's Business

I can't overstate how much I love this clip of Jimmy Witherspoon singing with Buck Clayton's band. It's sexy, tough and cool. The moment around the 1:15 mark in which Kansas native Clayton chimes in after 'Spoon's meaningful moan is the epitome of everything I adore most about Kansas City's unique confluence of jazz and blues.