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Donald Byrd


I recall reading a thread written by a young man who came into possession of a large collection of Donald Byrd records under very sad circumstances, his father had passed.

Although he was sad, he shared with us how incredible this new music was that he had inherited. He renewed my enthusiasm for Donald Byrd. Me and Donald go back a long way, all the way back to my beginning as a jazz fan. I consider him one of the "giants of jazz", and I bet even the Rok will agree on that.

True jazz giants continually evolve, and Donald's evolution is well established in my collection. He began with "hard bop", and next was "A New Perspective/ Donald Byrd band and voices", this was a big hit at that time. Although I liked every cut on that LP, "Christo Redentor" was my favorite.

Donald Byrd & the Blackbirds was his next stage of evolution. This time he featured a vocal group called "The Blackbirds" with his band. At this stage of his evolution, many of his long time fans revolted, "How dare he ruin pure jazz with a vocal group". I was one of them. After I expressed my indignation by selling the LP I had just purchased, I came around to liking it and couldn't find a new copy, but I'm human and that's the way it goes.

This is my list of samplers for Byrd's various stages of evolution that can be found on "youtube". "Fuego" is not only my example of Donald Byrd's "hard bop", it is the personification of "hard bop". "Byrd In Hand" featuring Pepper Adams on baritone sax is another favorite of mine. I especially like the cut "Here Am I", Pepper Adams really cooks on that baritone. While Gerry Mulligan is very well known, and considered by many to be the best jazz baritone, Pepper Adams also ranks very high in my book. "Street Lady" by Byrd was an album I wore out. "Donald Byrd & the Blackbirds" was the LP I didn't like initially, sold it, and then couldn't find a new copy when I decided it belonged in my collection.

Just as a food critic must sample many dishes to determine which one's he thinks are best, an audiophile has to sample many records and CD's to determine which one's belong in his collection. Maybe after sampling, you will determine some of this music belongs in your collection.

Enjoy the music.
orpheus10
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

This is the first time I heard "Harlem Blues". I will definitely add it to my collection. I don't blame you for being out of the vinyl business, it's quite expensive when you're talking about better than CD.

I think the term "jazz giant" between the two of us is a matter of semantics, or maybe we could have more than one list.

Donald Byrd has put out such a wide range of fantastic jazz, that it's almost impossible to say, "I like jazz, but I don't care for Donald Byrd". When I see a statement like that, I know that it's because they haven't heard everything that Byrd's put out.

The records I suggested by Byrd represent different stages of his career, sample them and tell me what you think.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I like Byrd`s playing a lot, but from his generation I like Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan more. I find their improvising more interesting and creative.Hey, they all can play.Pepper Adams is a first rate player, one of my favorites.

Jazz Giants, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk for starters along with Rok2id`s two choices.
Regards,
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
I love to see this thread about Donald Byrd. I love Donald Bryd. He is around my beginnings as a jazz lover when I started listening to WJZZ Detroit's jazz radio back in the 70's and early 80's. As Orpheus said, he has a lot of very different music contributions to "Jazz." As far as his days with the Blackbyrds, you must hear "Places and Spaces." to hear Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds at their best and also "Harlem River Drive." I have heard some of his work as a sideman. Because of this thread, I will definitely pursue some of the titles mentioned here that I have not heard. Thank you!! Hi Orpheus10. It's been a while. Glad to see your post.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Foster_9, after your welcome, this is like being back among old friends who are all "jazz aficionado's".

While I know a lot about jazz, I learn a lot every time I post. Now that we have "youtube", it's unnecessary to buy the record or CD before you know whether or not you like it.

The music from "Places and Spaces", as well as "Harlem River Drive", was when Donald was in a "funky, street groove" as opposed to a "deep in the jazz pocket groove". Donald Byrd covered all the grooves when it came to soulful music.

It feels good to be back, and I always look forward to your posts.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Charles1dad, ages ago, I would argue whether or not this artist, or that artist was the best on his chosen instrument, and I would argue my point till the cows came home. Since we were in the city, the cows never came home.

Now, as far as I'm concerned, it's the same as debating which is the best color, orange or blue? Is Lee Morgan better than Donald Byrd? I'm sure he is if we compare one unique aspect of Lee Morgan's playing with that same aspect of Donald Byrd's playing.

I don't listen like that, nor do I hear like that. When I listen to Lee Morgan, I'm in a jazz lovers paradise. When I listen to Donald Byrd, I'm in paradise still, although it's a bit different from the one I left with Lee Morgan.

Is orange better than blue? Orange is a very beautiful color when I'm looking at orange, but so is blue when I'm looking at blue.
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