Digitally remastered using 20-bit technology by Ron McMaster.
One of three Donald Byrd albums from 1967 (the end of his hard bop period), this recording features the trumpeter/leader with altoist Sonny Red, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Walter Booker, and drummer Billy Higgins. The six tunes (five of which are originals by Byrd or Red) are all quite obscure and to one extent or another quite explorative. One can sense that Byrd wanted to break through the boundaries and rules of hard bop but had not yet decided on his future directions. The music does swing and highlights include "West of the Pecos" and "Beale Street"; Byrd and Red in particular are in excellent form throughout the date. ~ Scott Yanow
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on May 27, 1963 and January 9, 1967. Originally released on Blue Note (84259). Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Personnel: Donald Byrd (trumpet); Sonny Red (alto saxophone); Hank Mobley, Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone); Herbie Hancock, Cedar Walton (piano); Walter Booker, Eddie Khan (bass); Billy Higgins, Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums).
O. G. Jazz The real deal. Donald Byrd with vast diversity in straight-ahead Jazz, Jazz-Fusion, and his foray into Jazz-laced R&B, like the Blackbyrds. A true innovator!
This album, Blackjack, represents the quintessential Donald Byrd at his best. Submitted by Russ from Altadena to the ' Burgh (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
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