Blue Byrd

1. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

2. Von Vivendo

3. Nice Work If You Can Get It

4. Jitterbug Waltz

5. Soft Lights and Sweet Music

6. I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues

7. This Can't Be Love

8. Carinhoso

9. Mama, I'll Be Home Someday

10. Isn't This a Lovely Day?

11. Saturday Night Fish Fry

Blue Byrd,Charlie Byrd,Concord Records,Bop,Bossa Nova,Jazz,Swing

Jazz

Music

jazz

music

Average customer rating: Revisiting Pop Jazz of the 1970s Jazz, Not Jazz Jazz, funk, and just plain good music. The Best of the Byrd... MY REVIE WAS TOP ON BOTH CDS I A LONG TIME JAZZ LOVER

The Best of Donald Byrd Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Bobbi Humphrey Places and Spaces The Best of Ronnie Laws Black Byrd The Blackbyrds - Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002V11 Release Date: 1992-04-21

Tracks:

1. Change (Makes You Wanna Hustle)
2. You And Music
3. Blackbyrd
4. Think Twice
5. Onward' Til Morning
6. Lanasana's Priestess
7. Street Lady
8. Flight Time
9. Places And Spaces
10. Wind Parade
11. (Falling Like) Dominoes (Live)
12. Steppin' Into Tomorrow

Customer Reviews:

Revisiting Pop Jazz of the 1970s.......2006-08-21

Dr. Donald Byrd was one of the early crossover/smooth jazz artists. This album shows how forward thinking he was within that style so many years before Kenny G., et al. He (Dr. Byrd) knew that blending an r & b feel with a distinct jazz sensibility had lots of potential. This album has good stuff, both musically and historically.

Jazz, Not Jazz.......2006-04-12

Who cares if this is not "JAZZ", this is hot stuff. I was a teenager when most of these songs came out. They are as hot today as back in the day. Donald Byrd created a new sound and was not, is not and never has been a "sellout". Life is about change, growth, and evolution. Oh yeah, and feeling in the soul. These songs still make me want to dance, shake my butt, and rock my head. Good stuff that I'm proud to have re-enter my life 30 years later.

Jazz, funk, and just plain good music........2006-02-05

I am an electic listener. I mostly dig this CD because of the soul or emotion that exudes from it. I'm not a jazz freak, but this CD should be in everyone's collection. Melody, harmony...it is just an excellent pick. I can't tell you my favorite track, but the standouts are "Dominoes," "Places and Spaces," and "Steppin' into Tomorrow." It is illegal to skip tracks once you insert this disc into your player. I repeat...this is an underrated CD if I ever saw one. This is for music lovers...not jazz lovers. Look at all of the hip hop acts that have sampled Byrd's tracks. Great music, and it is a shame that not everyone will hear this sound.

The Best of the Byrd..........2005-09-24

This collection is a very good introduction to Donald Byrd's contemporary jazz sides. I realize that the Jazz purists' out there would beg to differ, but, because of Donald Byrd, I gave more 'straight ahead' jazz artists' a listen (Tatum, Morgan, Monk, etc.) The only reason why I didn't give this collection five stars was the "live" version of Dominoes. Well performed, but I like the original record version! Four stars!!

MY REVIE WAS TOP ON BOTH CDS I A LONG TIME JAZZ LOVER.......2005-08-29

I AM FAN AND COLLECTOR DONALD BYYRD FROM WAY BACK I AM TOTALLY SATIFIED TNK YOU JOHN CLARK

Average customer rating: Mood Jazz perfect for a sunday morning. Pretty Good but I got spoiled but His Later work more Byrd in a departure A nice addition to a jazz collection

A New Perspective Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Black Byrd Song for My Father Stepping into Tomorrow Hub-Tones Search for the New Land ASIN: B00000IWVW Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

1. Elijah
2. Beast Of Burden
3. Cristo Redentor
4. The Black Disciple
5. Chant

Amazon.com

Blue Note seldom ventured far from the spontaneity of small-group jazz, but they put special resources into this 1963 project, letting trumpeter Donald Byrd and arranger Duke Pearson achieve some stunning results with a septet and the voices of the Coleridge Perkinson Choir. Gospel and blues influences had become more prominent in jazz through the work of Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley, but Byrd explored the connection further here, combining the rich and wordless voices with a potent rhythm section, fluent soloists, and his own brassily declarative trumpet in an authentic and compelling way. Donald Best's bell-like vibraphone and Kenny Burrell's soulful guitar further emphasize the music's wealth of associations. The moods vary from the declamatory power of "Elijah" to the deep blues of "Beast of Burden" and the luminous hymn of Pearson's celebrated "Cristo Redentor" (a little-recognized master of jazz composition, Pearson also wrote "Idle Moments" for a Grant Green session), but the tunes are all realized with energy and feeling. The band seems to take special inspiration from the choir's carpet of sound, and tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley and pianist Herbie Hancock also make substantial contributions. The session has always sounded fantastic, but Rudy Van Gelder's remastering has added even greater luster. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Mood Jazz.......2006-06-08

Apart from the vocal textures, there's not a lot of inherent musical interest on this album. The "tunes" are simple musical ideas based on Dorian modes and minor blues changes, the rhythm is primarily walking 4/4, the principals (Byrd, Burrell, Mobley, Hancock) each manage to provide at least one pleasant but unremarkable solo statement. At least it's better background jazz than you'll hear these days on those so-called "contemporary jazz" stations.

As for the performance itself, it's far from perfect. There are random false starts by the vocalists as well as the instrumentalists, and individual voices among both groups occasionally stick out when they should be blending in (or one voice sings "dah-dot" while the others sing "doo-dot"). Van Gelder, moreover, is not the ideal sound engineer for a recording like this. His flat aural canvases and disregard for spatial imaging make no distinction, for example, between the volume level of a single piano note and the entire choir. With the addition of a horn like Coltrane's, with its spirit-seeking quality, and a recording respectful of space and ambiance, this session might have acquired some depth and spiritual/emotional resonance.

perfect for a sunday morning........2004-09-26

(this might duplicate the previous review, as I had tech problems here).

Donald Byrd and Duke Pearson team up again (I have Byrd's "a new perspective" with Duke Pearson at the keys, recorded 3 years before in 1960). This time, Duke Pearson leaves the keys to Herbie Hancock, and sticks to the role of arranger and composer. He wrote 2 out of the 5 songs, and Byrd the other 3.

Songs are for voice and jazz band, but the voices are treated as just instruments, and blend effortlessly with the instruments. Donald's trumpet and Hank Mobley's sax sound especially human-like in this setting (actually, to preserve the illusion, all the solos are quite restrained and paced accordingly).

The compositions have a hymnal quality which reminded me of Charlie Haden and Hank Jones' "steal away". They are mostly melancholic songs with bluesy church-y undertones. This cd will not get you to dance, but you will listen to it again when the right mood strikes.

Pretty Good but I got spoiled but His Later work more.......2002-06-20

this set isn't bad at all.He takes on a few styles here&some things work.but Compared to His Early 70's Output the Music Here doesn't have that Lasting vibe for me.the Musicianship here is sharp but the Material overal doesn't hold up to me.but I have enjoyed many of His Recordings&He has a Cool Tone in His Work.

Byrd in a departure.......2001-01-09

Byrd, who made his name in the hard-bop vein on a large number of Blue Note and Prestige releases in the '50s and '60s, makes "A New Perspective" live up to its name, particularly in light of his later rather tepid funk/R&B material in the '70s with the Blackbyrds. This release gathers together familiar Blue Note mainstays, including Hank Mobley, Kenny Burrell, and Herbie Hancock, but Byrd offers up a series of gospel-inspired tunes with his band backing the Coleridge-Perkinson Choir. The results are mostly satisfying, although at times the vocal arrangements lacked the tonal color I'd have liked.

The album offers, however, one unforgettable gem: the soaring, majestic and altogether inspiring "Cristo Redentor," one of the best compositions of the underrated pianist Duke Pearson. The tune was inspired by Pearson's sighting of the statue of Christ in the Andes, and the music seems to capture every bit of the awe Pearson undoubtedly felt when he viewed the statue. The choir begins with a deep, reverent hum that lays a base from which the soprano voicings depart. After this stirring intro, Byrd enters, sketching the theme respectfully before offering his own humble, but blues-drenched respects to the vision. Also not to be missed in the performance is Hancock's soulful accompaniment on piano. Tremendous tune, one of the select few that in my opinion capture the essence of religious devotion without any trivializing.

As for the rest of the album, well, it doesn't quite measure up to the lofty standards of "Cristo Redentor," but there are plenty of nice moments and of course some fine performances from the aforementioned musicians as well as Dave Pike on vibraphone. "Beast of Burden" is a slowly shuffling, satisfying blues; "Elijah" is a joyous shout; and "Chant" finds the choir in robust full throat.

Byrd was, for me, never quite first-tier among the trumpeters of his era. On "A New Perspective" you won't find him reaching a another level technically. Stylistically, however, this album plows some new and intriguing ground both for Byrd and for Blue Note. Recommended.

A nice addition to a jazz collection.......1999-09-18

I found this cd rather enjoyable. Donald Byrd demonstrates his ablilties and musical tastes teamed with the rest of the personnel on the disc and shows that he can put a unique touch to the various tunes, from the smooth ballad Beast of Burden to the driving, almost tribal feel of The Black Disciple with the voices. Consider this something pleasant to add to your collection, perhaps not a masterpiece, but something worth having.

Average customer rating: Critics said "Nay" Blackbyrd... Heading towards the light and fluffy elevator style jazz.... FLYING 5 IT's TIGHT BELEIVE ME

Black Byrd Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Places and Spaces Stepping into Tomorrow Street Lady Ethiopian Knights Blacks and Blues ASIN: B000005HDT Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

1. Flight Time
2. Black Byrd
3. Love's So Far Away
4. Mr. Thomas
5. Sky High
6. Slop Jar Blues
7. Where Are We Going?

Amazon.com

Dr. Donald Byrd's deeply rooted jazz background never stopped him from constantly pushing jazz forward, opening the minds of his listeners in the process. Produced by Larry Mizell in 1973, Black Byrd is filled with beautiful music that captures his passion for sound. The sophisticated, uptempo instrumentals are funky and danceable, but also extremely smooth. Byrd's impeccable trumpet meshes perfectly with the African-influenced beats and rhythms. Jazz purists may want to look into earlier Blue Note recordings such as Royal Flush and Byrd in Flight. --Shane Hunt

Customer Reviews:

Critics said "Nay".......2007-01-10

When this recording was first introdused critics laughed and downplayed this album, Just to prove and show that some critics are sometime way OFF. This was the best selling album on "Blue Note" and is a NOW criticly aclaimed masterpiece.

Blackbyrd..........2005-09-24

I heard "Flight Time" as a teenager on a wax "Greatest Hits" collection by Mr. Byrd. When I saw "Blackbyrd" on CD, I bought it without hesitation! A very good contemporary jazz collection!
Five stars!

Heading towards the light and fluffy elevator style jazz...........2004-09-16

....but not there yet. I prefer the deep funk of Byrd's "Ethiopian Knights", but "BlackByrd" has grown on me considerably. On my first listen I was taken by surprise because I wanted more "Little Rasti" and I put this away for a long time. I've been listening to it now for a few weeks straight and it's laid back summertime groove has consumed my soul. "Street Lady" has the same vibe, so I picked it up to, but I will have to stop there and dig on all the great Byrd I have. It seems after Street Lady the music got really really light and fluffy. Snore...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Go get "Fancy free", "Electric Byrd", "Ethiopian Knights", "BlackByrd" & "Street Lady" and you will have the funkiest of Donald Byrd and the best in my opinion.

FLYING 5.......2000-04-19

Donald Byrd is A Musical Genius.His Music takes Jazz Into So many Directions&Yet Never Looses it's Roots&Foundations.THis Disc Is Smoking From start to finish.

IT's TIGHT BELEIVE ME.......1999-09-16

this cd is one of the BYRD MAN slickest especially 'LOVES SO FAR AWAY' I've made this cut into my personal LIFE THEMES with out a doubt a winner -get up -get out-and get dis cd-CAN YA DIG IT?????

Average customer rating: byrdman classic There are no words ... Had to have it! Not Your Imagination - This is Real!! This belongs in the Hall of Fame

Places and Spaces Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stepping into Tomorrow Black Byrd Blacks and Blues Street Lady Satin Doll ASIN: B000005H7S Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

1. Change (Makes You Want To Hustle)
2. Wind Parade
3. (Fallin' Like) Dominoes
4. Places & Spaces
5. You & The Music
6. Night Whistler
7. Just My Imagination

Customer Reviews:

byrdman classic.......2007-06-23

This is the bomb!!!! jazz/funk that still stands the test of time,every track of this stellar recording, reminds of when i was a young man,sitting on the stoop listening to this and many other great artist of this era,a must for any who can appreciate early jazz/funk/fusion.

There are no words ..........2006-12-21

What amazes me about music as I research and study it as I do, is the fact that I can still be surprised and how fluid an album can be 20 plus years after it's inital release. Being of the hip-hop/turntablism era, with all the sampling we do, all that I can say is that this album is responsible for a lot of what we know today. From Black Moon/Smif-N-Wessun, to Pete Rock, to Tupac, this album has been generously sampled (like a LOT of the Blue Note catalog) for good reason. Driving bass accompanying lush grooves make this a great listen and a must have for any music lover. True instrumentalism is of the order here. Flutes, violins, and rolling keybords abound and for 1976 this was a forward thinking album. It's a shame that the stubborn dinosaurs that traditional jazz fans can be turned their nose up at and turned their backs on Donald Byrd, accusing him of 'selling out', yet this is no different from what Miles Davis was trying to do with his fusion; and what Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis have done throughout most of their careers. What a tragedy for this is some of the best jazz fusion to be had from anyone, anywhere.

Had to have it!.......2006-07-06

Donald Byrd is a classic artist. This album has some mellow music that relaxes the sole. I have it on vinyl, and have been searching for it on cd. So glad to have found it!

Not Your Imagination - This is Real!!.......2006-03-22

Many jazz aficionados would say in general that Donald Byrd "sold out" by exploring more of a commercial/contemporary music sound as opposed to staying with traditional jazz and exploring moreso in that genre. On this album, Donald Byrd, really took a back seat to superior producers Larry and Fonze Mizell. The key to songs like Dominoes and Places and Spaces is the catchy melody/harmony these guys came up with. Then top it off with a phenomenal breakdown as you transition from the melody. Yes DB, with his talent, could have done more traditional jazz. Yet Donald Byrd showed that you can explore new rhythms with the combination of acoustic and electronic instruments. Gotta have this in your collection. Keep swingin.

This belongs in the Hall of Fame.......2006-03-11

Don't believe the hype checkit but if your a fellow souljah just get it!

Average customer rating: Another 5 Star Gem by Byrd & Company! Finally! The Cat Walks!

The Cat Walk Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Clubhouse Detroit-New York Junction The Right Touch Compulsion A.T.'s Delight ASIN: B000NA2884 Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. Say You're Mine
2. Duke's Mixture
3. Each Time I Think Of You
4. The Cat Walk
5. Cute
6. Hello Bright Sunflower

Customer Reviews:

Another 5 Star Gem by Byrd & Company!.......2007-04-14

People! People! Wake up and pay attention! This cat Donald Byrd can play that horn of his like nobody's business. I was so excited by this re-release on March 20th that I ordered it that same day. And needless to say, as always, the man and his band does not disappoint! On the contrary, this hard-bop recording is essential to any jazz fan's collection. Especially if you're a fan of Byrd's already. I can't believe it took them so long to re-release this. However thank you EMI and RVG indeed!

Donald is joined by Pepper Adams (baritone sax), Laymon Jackson (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums), and Duke Pearson (piano). All of them sound absolutely perfect on this recording. I am actually thinking about starting up a Donald Byrd fan club. I can't believe how great this guy was and how little we ever hear about him. Byrd, along with Kenny Dorham are two of the most underated trumpet players of all-time. It's a lonely world for many of us jazz fans. After listening to recordings like this, it's impossible for me to listen to all that crapola that so-called artists of today try to pass off as music. This is REAL music! Music that wakes you up, gets the heart pumping a little faster, takes the edge off, and finally, makes you feel happy just to be alive.

Finally! The Cat Walks!.......2007-03-21

After many years of being unavailable, EMI has finally reissued "The Cat Walk" by Donald Byrd as part of their Blue Note RVG (Rudy Van Gelder) Remaster series (what took them so long?)
I first heard this album about 20 years ago when I found an LP in a second-hand record store. I remember liking it, but discarded it soon after I discovered that the "scuff" on side two was actually a scratch that was quite audible. Ever since then, my search for a replacement copy has proven fruitless, except for a number of expensive Japanese imports. For years now I've scoured the "B"'s in the Jazz section of Border's and the like figuring it was bound to turn up, but to no avail.
Well, I am happy to say that as of today March 20, 2007 this classic album is once again available, with enhanced sound and revised liner notes to boot! To my ears, this is one of the best Blue Note albums of all time. Strong words I know, considering the wealth of great Blue Note titles out there. But check this out: The combination of Pepper Adams' gritty baritone, Donald Byrd's lyrical trumpet, Philly Joe Jones' crisp, exciting drumming, Laymon Jackson's soulful bass and Duke Pearson's tasteful piano create a funky, Soul/Jazz groove that hits you right from the very first note! Add to that a mix of catchy original tunes (not always the case on a Blue Note album) plus Rudy Van Gelder's classic sound and you've got an album that can stand alongside any of Blue Note's best.
Highlights include the instantly likeable opener "Say You're Mine"; the funky title tune with its clever use of stop time; the incredibly fast and furious drum solo on Neal Hefti's "Cute"; and the upbeat closing tune "Hello Bright Sunflower". Don't wait another twenty years; get this while you can!

Average customer rating: Street Lady says it all Sultry Byrd Street Lady... Sweet Street Lady you can Vibe off this ALbum

Street Lady Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stepping into Tomorrow Black Byrd Places and Spaces Blacks and Blues Satin Doll ASIN: B000005H7J Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. Lansana's Priestess
2. Miss Kane
3. Sister Love
4. Street Lady
5. Witch hunt
6. Woman Of The World

Customer Reviews:

Street Lady says it all.......2006-10-03

Do you need some music for a sunny drive, whether down memory lane or creating new memories. Street Lady is outasight!!

Sultry Byrd.......2006-09-25

You can almost feel the heat off the Harlem (or neighbourhood) pavement from these tunes. There's a sultriness to these vibes that recalls hot summer breezes, just hanging out, and the natural horniness that days like that arouses. A very outdoor groove abounds here, with instrumentation and chord progressions that recall blaxploitation soundtracks, but with greater flair and always with the lightness of spirit and sheer delight in life that Byrd exhibits so flawlessly in his more upbeat offerings. Easy perhaps to overlook as a funky background music, it's actually an accomplished affair and another example of Byrd's mastery of creating atmosphere.

Street Lady..........2005-09-24

Street Lady is a eclectic mix of contemporay jazz tunes that one can sit and listen to. My favorite cuts are "Street Lady" and "Lansanas Street Priestess!" I suggest that you take a chance of the collection! Oh, and by the way, those aren't ladies on the cover of the album! It took me years before I actually figured that one out!! Four Stars!

Sweet Street Lady.......2003-01-17

I have this on vinyl...one of my favorite Blue Note album covers.
The music is very dated 70's blaxploitation, which happens to be one of my most favorite sounds. Plenty of flute and wah wah guitars. The vibe here is the ghetto in late afternoon when the street ladies start walking the beat. Actually this album is a loosely formed concept album based on a prostitute. This really isn't jazz - perhaps jazzy R&B or funk would be a better description. If you enjoy the background music in Curtis Mayfield and Bobby Womack cuts - you'll feel right at home with this one.

you can Vibe off this ALbum.......2001-08-05

another Laid-Back album from Donald Byrd.His Arrnagements&Feel make this ALbum as along with his other 70's output a must.His Grooves here capture a Scene&Vibe going on.I can Listen to His 70's Output all day&Night.another solid Production&Instrumentation on this set.you feel the Vibe going down.

Average customer rating: Exciting, accessible-- makes you drink and dance.

Blue Byrd Charlie Byrd Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Guitar Artistry of Charlie Byrd Brazilian Byrd The Best of the Concord Years Mr. Guitar Brazilian Soul ASIN: B0000006CI Release Date: 1991-10-27

Tracks:

1. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
2. Vou Vivendo
3. Nice Work If You Can Get It
4. Jitterbug Waltz
5. Soft Lights And Sweet Music
6. I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues
7. This Can't Be Love
8. Carinhoso
9. Mama, I'll Be Home Someday
10. Isn't It A Lovely Day
11. Saturday Night Fish Fry

Customer Reviews:

Exciting, accessible-- makes you drink and dance........1999-01-16

Charilie Byrd is the quintessential SMOOTH. On this album he also gets down and dirty with a dry sense of humor. This album makes you want to drink beer straight from the bottle and dance around the room. Every single track is a personal favorite, but Ain't Got Nothin' But the BLues, is a definite call to feet.

Average customer rating: Soulful Spots of Time Rare Early Byrd

Transition Sessions Donald Byrd , and Doug Watkins Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: At the Half Note Cafe, Vol. 1-2 My Conception All Night Long A Fickle Sonance Waiting Game ASIN: B00006J3KU Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. Doug's Blues
2. El Sino
3. Crazy Rhythm
4. Everything Happens To Me
5. Hank's Other Tune (AKA The Late Show)
6. Hank's Tune
7. Little Rock Getaway
8. Polka Dots And Moonbeams
9. If I Love Again
10. Stella By Starlight

Tracks:

1. Return To Paradise
2. Phinupi
3. Phil T. McNasty's Blues
4. More Of The Same
5. Panonica
6. People Will Say We're In Love
7. What's New

Customer Reviews:

Soulful Spots of Time.......2003-12-20

Until recently, these three sessions were available only on Japanese reissues at 3-4 times the price. Thankfully, Capitol/Blue Note has seen fit to release all three as a reasonably-priced two-CD set. I remember the original LP's on the Transition label. Produced by a small-budget company in Boston's Harvard Square, they were issued in plain cardboard sleeves with all of the liner notes included in a booklet insert (I've got the LP's but the booklets have long since disappeared--as have the round labels, which must have been attached to the vinyl with LePage's school paste).

The music is hardly groundbreaking, nor is it of the commercial hard bop/funk style frequently associated with these players, especially with Blakey and Silver. It's unpretentious, lyrical, tasteful, swinging, and soulful--as fine an example of a mainstream/modern pure blowing session as any from this era. The programming of Tiomkin's "Return to Paradise" (dig Watkins' time in synch with Kenny Burrell's guitar) was a happy inspiration, as were Byrd's ballad choices, especially "Everything Happens to Me."

Some highlights:

There's some irony in Byrd (then the personification of lyrical, straightahead playing if not the link between Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard) making these recordings in the shadows of Harvard University. Fifteen years later he would be recording commercial funk and disco but shortly thereafter would have a Ph.D. along with a professorial position at Howard University. Joe Gordon's trumpet serves as a nice foil to Byrd's on two memorable blues numbers, both demonstrating Gordon's more fiery and passionate, Clifford-inspired approach (admittedly, at the expense of some control). Tragically, he would die a few years later in a warehouse fire (apparently, his only shelter).

Watkins anchors all three sessions with an authority that demonstrates why he was viewed by many as Paul Chambers' equal. (Catch his wonderful walking-bass solo on "Phinupi".) Tragically, he would die several years later on the road (but not before I had a chance to hear him live at Le Chat Qui Peche in Paris).

Mobley, whose reputation grows with each passing year, is understated throughout but is as melodic and inventive as ever (did he ever make a bad recording?). Duke Jordan demonstrates why he was an underrated keeper of the flame even after his landmark recordings with Bird. In the 1970's I went to hear Mobley and Jordan at a session in Chicago. Hank was physically wasted and musically incoherent, making an early (forced) departure after his first number, but Duke compensated by turning in one of the strongest piano trio sets I've ever heard.

Though issued now on the Blue Note label, the sessions were not recorded or mastered by Van Gelder. As a result, there's more "space" between the microphone and the musicians, which is not, in this listener's opinion, necessarily for the bad. Admittedly, I'm rating these discs five stars for personal reasons. But I can guarantee that if your musical criteria include unfettered melodic invention, a deep but unobtrusive rhythmic pulse, and the presence of "soul" as defined less by style than by spirit, you can't go wrong with this timeless music.

Rare Early Byrd.......2003-07-14

"The Transition Sessions" is a great early look at trumpeter Donald Byrd, a player who would go on to become one of the leading jazzmen of the 1960s, before he crossed-over to more commercial fare in the 70s. It is also a great showcase for Doug Watkins, who as the bassist in the early Jazz Messengers' group, contributed immensely to forming the instrument's evolving role in hard-bop jazz. This limited edition title from Blue Note's Connoisseur Series was originally made for Tom Wilson's Transition label, which he sold to Alfred Lion prior to joining United Artists.

This 2-CD set collects three Transition LPs -- Donald Byrd's "Byrd's Eye View" (12/2/55) and "Byrd Blows on Beacon Hill" (5/7/56), and Doug Watkins' "Watkins at Large" (12/8/56) -- with the common theme being that all but the second disc's last two tracks feature the playing of both Byrd and Watkins. The best date here is the first as the band is the same as the one on the classic Jazz Messengers at the Cafe Bohemia recordings on Blue Note (Watkins, Hank Mobley, Horace Silver and Art Blakey) except that Byrd replaces Kenny Dorham. Under-appreciated Boston trumpeter Joe Gordon also makes an appearance on four of the album's tracks. Simply put, this band swings! The live Watkins date is a distant second as the sound and chemistry don't quite live up to the billing of the great assemblage of musicians (Byrd and Watkins are joined by Mobley, Kenny Burrell, Duke Jordan and Art Taylor). The third date is an altogether looser affair, though not without its bright spots, featuring lesser known Boston musicians Ray Santisi and Jim Zitano. As previously mentioned, Byrd sits out two tunes (on his own session/album?!).

My reason for awarding only four stars is that this collection, without question a gem for collectors, is probably only of marginal interest to those with a handful of Blue Note titles on their CD shelves, or those just discovering the label. Also, the recordings are all in mono, and while the sound is good, it is sessions like these that make you appreciate what engineer Rudy Van Gelder brings to the table. With that being said, it is great to have this rare Byrd available in the catalog, even if only for a limited time.

Average customer rating: Aces High!!

Nothin' But The Blues Amazing Rhythm Aces Manufacturer: Sunshine Marketing ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: How the Hell Do You Spell Rhythum? Two Classic Albums from The Amazing Rhythm Aces: Stacked Deck/Too Stuffed to Jump Toucan Do It Too/Burning the Ballroom Down The End Is Not in Sight Full House: Aces High ASIN: B0006BKH8S

Product Description

The latest release from this Grammy winning band features 14 brand new songs by founder & lead singer Russell Smith and includes guest appearances by Jimmy Hall & Gary Nicholson. This could be the rockin'est Aces album ever!

Customer Reviews:

Aces High!!.......2005-06-09

Here is another terrific recording by the aptly named Amazing Rhythm Aces. This "amazing" band has recorded some of the best American music produced over the past 3+ decades. Russell Smith has, in cooperation with band mates and others, written some of his best songs for this set. The songs here compare with those on "Too Stuffed To Jump", "The Amazing Rhythm Aces", and all of the other masterpieces this band has given us. I recommend this CD to all lovers of great music. You can never go wrong with the "Aces".

Average customer rating: Stepping Into Tomorrow with The Mizell Brothers stepping into cheese Stepping into Tomorrow... Byrd's Finest! Even liter funk

Stepping into Tomorrow Donald Byrd Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Places and Spaces Street Lady Black Byrd Blacks and Blues Satin Doll ASIN: B00004S2EI Release Date: 2000-03-28

Tracks:

1. Stepping Into Tomorrow
2. Design A Nation
3. We're Together
4. Think Twice
5. Makin' It
6. Rock And Roll Again
7. You Are The World
8. I Love The Girl

Customer Reviews:

Stepping Into Tomorrow with The Mizell Brothers.......2007-02-25

Born Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II, Donald Byrd is a very talented, well trained jazz and blues trumpter. He has played with some of the best in his field, including Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Sonny Rollins, Monk, John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock. His sound during this time period was hard bop jazz.
NOW . . . allow yourself to switch gears for a bit. It's the early 70s and Byrd teams up with jazz-funk producers, the Mizell Brothers, Fonce and Larry. Out of this union, FIVE albums are born, giving Byrd a new sound and much commerical success. They are:
1972--Black Byrd (biggest selling album in BLUE NOTE label history)
1973--Street Lady
1974--Stepping Into Tomorrow
1975--Places and Spaces
1976--Caricatures
For the most part, if you are a jazz purist, these five albums may not work for you. However, if you are simply a defender and promoter of good music as I am, (especially 70s funk/jazz/soul) dust off your cd player and make space in your music library. These five cds need to be in your collection.
Stepping Into Tomorrow, as well as the others listed, has a blended, smooth, layered sound. A sound with texture. The same "type" sound you'd hear when you listen to the 70s music of Roy Ayers, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfied or Isaac Hayes. It's a very sophisticated, down to earth sound. The Mizell Bros were also very successful with two Bobbi Humphrey albums and a Gary Bartz album, all worthy of owning. I love this cd! But then and again, I love Donald Byrd! Along with Roy Ayers, he is one of the most sampled jazz artists, thanks to the Hip-Hop community. Blending of the old with the new. Talkin' about steppin' into tomorrow. Now that's progressive!

stepping into cheese.......2005-12-09

Track 7 manages to funk a little bit, but most of this album is just downright painfully bad. It's disco meets funk-lite meets muzak with a bit of jazz attitude here and there. The lyrics are pure cheese. The whole thing borders on parody.

I picked this album up because it was on sale, had a nice cover, features Gary Bartz on sax, and the instrumentation seemed to promise something funky.

I heard the first track and knew I was in trouble, but told myself hey, maybe this is one of those albums with a cheesy opening song that makes up for it later on. Wrong. The vapid treading water disco funk-lite never lets up, the embarassing singing adds insult to injury track after track.

If this is your cup of tea, great. But if you're expecting something with a bit more funk to it, or edge, or jazz, or at least the absence of cheesy vocals, be forewarned!

This album calls itself Stepping Into Tomorrow, but nothing dates itself quicker than an era's ideas about the future. This album sounds very much a product of the seventies.

Stepping into Tomorrow..........2005-09-24

I first heard this on one of Mr. Byrd's "Greatest Hits" collections and wanted more. I purchased the CD and have had no regrets! Donald Byrd once again demonstrates his talent on this album. Set it in your CD player and forget it! Five stars!

Byrd's Finest!.......2004-06-26

"Stepping Into Tomorrow" is one of those albums that laid
the groundwork for modern hip-hop music.That is it's plaintive
grooves,baselines and wide open spaces have been plundered in fond tribute by everyone from Guru to Yesterday' New
Quintet.That being said every song here (even the poppier ones)
have unbeatable grooves and a brooding sense of melody.And for the most part the heavy production values that often cluttered Byrd's mid 70's Blue Note albums is completely adsent here so the funky rhythm section and Byrd's horn is heard uncut.So the album is a mix of smooth and aggresive grooves and rhythms and is a welcoming journey to tomorrow,yesterday or wherever the albums title promises to have you step into.But it's a trip worth taking and don't be afraid to let it free your feet as well as your mind!

Even liter funk.......2003-10-31

This is basically the same review I wrote for Spaces and Places, but there isn't too much difference between the two to be honest. Some people have obviously fallen pretty hard for Mr Byrds music, but unfortunately I'm not convinved of it's earth moving capabilities. Apart from the awesome Ethiopian Knights, I've found the rest of his work, and the work of his student group the Blackbyrds, very much the trim version of what funk is all about. It's pleasant, but veers dangerously close to muzak at times. The lyrics are too trite and he tends to turn to an extremely irritating whistle throughout some of the tracks as a kind of melody insturment which just drives me nuts. Hugely influencial in the 90s obviously, but sounding dated again only a few years after.

Jazz Music:

1. Blues Alley Jazz [Live]
2. Brazilville
3. Bush Dance
4. Byrd and Brass
5. Chicago Fire [Live]
6. Christmas Album
7. Christmas Time Is Here
8. Chromatic Palette
9. Collectors' Items
10. Double Image

Jazz Music

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