Donal Byrd Doug Watkins

Donald Byrd & Pepper Adams - The Complete Blue Note Studio Sessions (2000) {4CD Box Set Mosaic MD4-194 rec 1959-1967}
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© 1959-67, 2000 Mosaic Records / Blue Note / EMI-Capitol | MD4-194
Jazz / Hard Bop / Trumpet / Saxophone

Centered around the Byrd/Adams Blue Note dates Byrd in Hand, Chant, Royal Flush, The Cat Walk, and Off to the Races, Mosaic's Complete Blue Note Donald Byrd/Pepper Adams Studio Sessions finds the Detroit natives at the top of their game during 1959-1962. Writing and performing some of the most original and tight hard bop around, Byrd and Adams led a variety of combos that featured the likes of Herbie Hancock (his first session), Wynton Kelly, Duke Pearson (who also contributed material), Charlie Rouse, Sam Jones, and Billy Higgins. From distinct covers ("Lover Come Back to Me") to seamlessly complex originals ("Bronze Dance"), Byrd's pure-toned trumpet and Adams' angular baritone unexpectedly make a perfect match. And beyond a wealth of sides that prove the point, the collection also features – in typically thorough and classy Mosaic fashion – some stunning session photos by Blue Note lensman Francis Wolff and an extensive essay by Bob Blumenthal. A hard bop experience of the highest order.

In 1958 this quintet enjoyed an extended, 6-month stay at a left-bank club, Le Chat Qui Peche, during which time the concert recorded on this album took place (but not in the club). It's pleasant neo-bop but nothing exceptional, and it certainly doesn't acquire the fire and force of the live performances by the group, which was largely driven by Art Taylor's thunderous, explosive beat. ~ Amazon

Donald Byrd - Chant (1961) {Blue Note–EMI Music Japan rel 2014}
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© 1961, 2014 Blue Note / EMI Music Japan
Jazz / Hard Bop / Trumpet

Not released until 1979, this excellent quintet session features the always formidable team of trumpeter Donald Byrd and baritonist Pepper Adams. The accompanying rhythm section includes pianist Herbie Hancock shortly before he joined Miles Davis. The repertoire consists of six likable tunes including an uptempo "I'm an Old Cowhand," "That's All," "Sophisticated Lady," two Byrd originals and Duke Pearson's "Chant." This is superior hard bop from the early '60s.

The second of two sets that document a Paris concert by trumpeter Donald Byrd, Parisian Thoroughfare features Bobby Jaspar on tenor and flute, pianist Walter Davis, Jr., bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor. Other than Byrd's "At This Time" and Davis' "Formidable," the quintet sticks to bop standards, many of which are quite concise and clock in at around three minutes. Longer versions of the title track (a high point) and "52nd Street Theme" are exceptions. This spirited, bop-oriented music is the equal of the first volume.

The second of two CDs that document a Paris concert by trumpeter Donald Byrd also features Bobby Jaspar on tenor and flute, pianist Walter Davis, Jr., bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor. Other than Byrd's "At This Time" and Davis' "Formidable," the quintet sticks to bop standards, many of which are quite concise and clock in around three minutes. Longer versions of "Parisian Thoroughfare" (a highpoint) and "52nd Street Theme" are exceptions. This spirited bop-oriented music is the equal of the first volume. ~ AllMusic