Customer Reviews

Best of Donald Byrd

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Because Donald Byrd exists, we have groups like 'The Brand New Heavies', 'Incognito', 'Nuyorican Soul'. Because Donald Byrd exists, numerous rappers are able to create, and rap to, beats that makes us wanna dance. Had it not been for Donald Byrd, a lot of music would sound so much different, if it would have existed at all.

Donald Byrd does something with the trumpet that makes is sound so funky. The rhythms in the background just bring out the trumpet style that D.B. has mastered, and make one hell of a combination. Songs like "Places and Spaces", "Wind Parade", "Flight Time", and other beautiful selections are works of the mastermind that influenced a lot of funk artist today.

A must have.

I think this album is truly beyond words. Wonderful is truly an understatement. I am a hip-hop fan and when I listen to this cd. I think of groups like Tribe Called Quest and other hip-hop groups of the sort. I truly love this album. It's not sound it's a feeling....an experience.....a journey. It's classic!

DONALD BYRD is truly a music-master. He has done numerous great albums over the years. This CD is undoubtedly one of the best ways to appreciate the 'Godfather of JazzFunk'. Not only is this disc packed with cool, funky and deep timeless trax (buy this disc and it will never go out of date), it also provides the blue-print for future jazz and dance-orientated music. In other words, THE BOMB! The majority of the tracks are produced by the wizard-like production duo the MIZELL BROTHERS, who are responsible for JOHNNY HAMMOND's and BOBBI HUMPHREY's best material. The collection of tracks will move your body (eg. CHANGE, DOMINOES) as well as your soul (WIND PARADE, YOU AND THE MUSIC, LANASANA'S PRIESTESS). Which is why you can't fail. I'd put this disc up there will the best of my Soul/Jazz/Funk collection, and believe me my collection is big.

I am an electic listener. I mostly dig this CD because of the soul or emotion that exudes from it. I'm not a jazz freak, but this CD should be in everyone's collection. Melody, harmony...it is just an excellent pick. I can't tell you my favorite track, but the standouts are "Dominoes," "Places and Spaces," and "Steppin' into Tomorrow." It is illegal to skip tracks once you insert this disc into your player. I repeat...this is an underrated CD if I ever saw one. This is for music lovers...not jazz lovers. Look at all of the hip hop acts that have sampled Byrd's tracks. Great music, and it is a shame that not everyone will hear this sound.

DONALD BYRD is truly a music-master. He has done numerous great albums over the years. This CD is undoubtedly one of the best ways to appreciate the 'Godfather of JazzFunk'. Not only is this disc packed with cool, funky and deep timeless trax (buy this disc and it will never go out of date), it also provides the blue-print for future jazz and dance-orientated music. In other words, THE BOMB! The majority of the tracks are produced by the wizard-like production duo the MIZELL BROTHERS, who are responsible for JOHNNY HAMMOND's and BOBBI HUMPHREY's best material. The collection of tracks will move your body (eg. CHANGE, DOMINOES) as well as your soul (WIND PARADE, YOU AND THE MUSIC, LANASANA'S PRIESTESS). Which is why you can't fail. I'd put this disc up there will the best of my Soul/Jazz/Funk collection, and believe me my collection is big.

Donald Byrd's funky jazz arrangements comprise most of the tracks on this fine collection of music from the former Howard University professor. Two selections from Byrd's hugely popular 1974 "Street Lady" album are here, including that title tune and "Lansana's Priestess". A couple of Byrd's hits with the Blackbyrds would have made a nice addition to this CD but the music here is great from the first track to the last. Byrd's admirers would be hard-pressed to find an album that can top this one.

... I love this kind of (Donald Byrd) music ... is the perfect mixture of jazz, soul and funk from the 70's ... I also love the fantasic background volcals on most every track... This album makes me happy walking around the street with this music in my ear ... thank you Donald Byrd

this the best cd that i've heard,but I was able to look at the booklet inside as it tells from what cd each track on this compilation is from.I then went and researched each and every album that this MAESTRO has EVER MADE. ----THE track #12 I sware is theee BEST that I've heard EVER,EVER,EVER there is no other like THE BYRD MAN--DIG IT--IF YOU CAN???

This one is made to enjoy! Words cannot describe. The proof is in the listening. From 1 to 12 this disc bangs. Street savy storylines, put down to a heavenly sound. The arrangements, the sounds, the harmony. It's dynomite!! The transitions, the storylines. What artistry!! As you listen you begin to wonder, "Can these many instruments really go together and still sound so good. Donald Byrd is a master!! The percussion, the lyrics!! I hear something new each time I sit down to listen, and YES. You'll enjoy this one better sitting down. From "Change", to "Wind Parade", to "You and Music", to the subtle metamorphasis in "Flight Time." They're all great, and not one sounds the same. So unplug the phone, ditch the wife, lock the kids in the closet, tell the fellas that you won't be out to play. You won't want to be disturbed.

This collection is a very good introduction to Donald Byrd's contemporary jazz sides. I realize that the Jazz purists' out there would beg to differ, but, because of Donald Byrd, I gave more 'straight ahead' jazz artists' a listen (Tatum, Morgan, Monk, etc.) The only reason why I didn't give this collection five stars was the "live" version of Dominoes. Well performed, but I like the original record version! Four stars!!