Hello, my little turnaround, how are we doing today? Did you enjoy Kenny Dorham's trip?
Today I propose you to discover a really great trumpet player through one of his album, Fuego.
This album was recorded on October 4, 1959, by Rudy, (I'm gonna have to make a Rudy Special once) and published by Blue Note.
This Trumpeter I'm talking about is Donaldson Toussaint L'Ouverture Byrd II. Best known as Donald Byrd.
Amazing player. He played with (take a deep breath)... here we go: Member of The Jazz Messengers, he recorded with Gigi Gryce, Jackie McLean, and Mal Waldron. He performed with many leading jazz musicians including John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, and later Herbie Hancock. But also Sonny Clark, Paul Chambers, Gene Ammons, Eric Dolphy, Lou Donaldson,... I'm gonna stop here because the list is endless.
Byrd was known as one of the only bebop jazz musicians who successfully pioneered the funk and soul genres while remaining a jazz artist.
The opening title track is a big slap in your face. Like I like to get when I'm listening to the Jazz Messengers. You sit on your couch and listen and let pass the train. Great.
Bup a loup theme is really a bebop theme with a little Salt peanut during the first exposition by Pearson (p). Wink To Gillespie and Parker (they've created the Bebop style)
We go on with a slow twelves-bars blues. Funky Mama. Initiated by Doug Watkins (b), it's beautiful by his simplicity. Also in the solo. Really peaceful and relaxing.
Low Life is a swinging, light, medium tempo. The sound of this tune reminds me a little of Benny Golson's Blues March, a little bit moanin' (Bobby Timmons), it's in the neighbor but definitively unique. Just Great.
With Lament, Donald Byrd brings us somewhere else. Exotic feel. I love the dynamic between the musicians. Perfect balance.
We finish with Amen, a joyful gospel with a rousing rhythm. You can't resist moving around. At least your leg.
This album could stay under the radar. It's typical Blue Note record but the compositions of Byrd make it pop out the rack. You listen to it and you happy.
Ok, I'm not really objective about this music/album. But how could I ever be? It's the greatest, all those guys were monster. Giant. In composition, improvisation, arranging,...
Every album is great, full of inspiration. At least to me...
Have fun listening! Go listen to.
Greetings and long live the Jazz.