Customer Reviews

Bluebyrd

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

 

 

Charilie Byrd is the quintessential SMOOTH. On this album he also gets down and dirty with a dry sense of humor. This album makes you want to drink beer straight from the bottle and dance around the room. Every single track is a personal favorite, but Ain't Got Nothin' But the BLues, is a definite call to feet.

I would likely give this album a higher rating, but Charlie Byrd usually plays a more full-bodied classical guitar. On many of the cuts on Blur Byrd, it sounds as if he is playing one of those very thin-body guitars meant exclusively for amplified performance. And, to my ears, it sounds too much like rubber bands twanging against a plastic box. Of course, this is hyperbole, but the timbre of the instrument is just plastic-y and unpleasant. Your mileage may vary. Frankly it ruins the listening experience for me on quite a few cuts on Blue Byrd. I'm far from an expert on the Byrd discography, but I don't recall hearing Charlie play this instrument on any other album.

Word to the wise, and heads up. Hopefully it won't bother you as it did me.

This album is exciting and tasteful at the same time. It is also at times emphatic, at times delicate, but always classy. With only bass and drums to complement him, Charlie's virtuosity shines through.
Naming particular tunes is largely pointless - it's all about the feel. But no-one has ever done "It Don't Mean A Thing" better, despite countless attempts.