NEW RELEASES / JAZZ : In Brief

** 1/2 Billy Taylor, “It’s A Matter of Pride,” GRP. Taylor’s 50th anniversary in jazz is celebrated with infectious enthusiasm on this new release. Typically, it is Taylor’s compositions, rich with chromatic changes and rhythmic shifts of mood, which stand out above his sometimes choppy piano work. Other high points include Grady Tate’s warmly sincere vocals on two Taylor originals dedicated to Martin Luther King, and Stanley Turrentine’s demonstration of his still-impressive skills as a mainstream improviser.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good, recommended), four stars (excellent).