Donald Byrd ~ Harlem Blues (1987)

R.I.P. Dr Donald Byrd.

Although it is probable that many of the obituaries will focus on Byrd's academic achievements and his commercial success with such as the Blackbyrds, personally I was delighted when he left the desert wastelands of fusion and returned to his roots. "Harlem Blues" was the album that heralded that return and was his first recording after a five year absence from the studios. Currently out of catalogue this is ripped from my original vinyl. If you're lucky enough to get hold of the CD it has an extra track.

Review by Scott Yanow

This Landmark release was trumpeter Donald Byrd's first jazz album in over 15 years after a long (and commercially if not artistically successful) detour into poppish R&B/funk. In the 1980s Byrd had neglected his trumpet playing in order to direct the Blackbyrds and teach. The period away from his instrument shows in spots on this well-intentioned set. Byrd gathered together four excellent players (altoist Kenny Garrett, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith) to play four group originals, W.C. Handy's "Harlem Blues" and "Blue Monk." Ironically Byrd's own playing was not at this point up to the level of his sidemen although his chops would improve during the next couple of years.

1. Harlem Blues
2. Fly Little Byrd, Fly
3. Voyage a Deux
4. Blue Monk
5. Alter Ego
6. Sir Master Kool Guy

Donald Byrd (t, flh) Kenny Garrett (as) Mulgrew Miller (p) Mike Daugherty (syn) Rufus Reid (b) Marvin "Smitty" Smith (d)
Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, September 22 & 24, 1987