Stroke can’t slow Taylor’s tempo

The usually unflappable Billy Taylor was admittedly “a bundle of nerves” just before his opening set Tuesday at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City.

The 81-year-old pianist was performing for the first time at a jazz club with his trio since suffering a mild stroke in January 2002 that caused him to lose dexterity in his fingers and hands.

After the stroke, Taylor doubted he’d be able to perform again, although he continued working on a reduced schedule as a cultural commentator on CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” and putting together jazz programs at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

After months of practice and therapy, Taylor began making guest appearances and playing a few concerts earlier this year. Finally, he decided he felt strong enough to do a six-night gig at the Blue Note with his long-standing trio of bassist Chip Jackson and drummer Winard Harper.