Ethiopian Knights [Import]

Donald Byrd | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 31, 1998)
• Original Release Date: 1971
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Europe Generic
• ASIN: B000006DG1
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,364 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Emperor

2. Jamie

3. The Little Rasti

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Take a Bumpin' Mind Trip Back to the '70s..., December 11, 2000

By 

Eddie Landsberg "My 10th year as a reviewer !... (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ethiopian Knights (Audio CD)

I don't know why, if its my imagination, or the folks next door, but there seems to be a hint of the scent of oregeno whenever I flip this one on... its definitely a funked out mind trip. Extended grooves, but a lot going on that holds you through the cuts. You bump, grind... and never know what's in store. The rhythm section hold you down, are very funky even adventurous at times (Wilton Felder on bass, Edward Greene on drums), the solos take you higher... and Bobby Hutcherson shines... Harold Land is schweeeeet and no complaints about any of the sessionaires.... most who happen to be ascended Jazzmasters like Byrd himself (even Joe Sample) who must have been soothesayers, because even though it was only August of '71, they pretty laid out the funk agenda as best it would be heard in the '70s. Overall, this is an incredible 35 or so minutes of tripped out, yet tight electric funk. If The Blackbyrds are too "sweet" for you, and early Byrd is too straight for you, and you're looking for a groove that's wicked, mean, "black" and bumping... you won't be let down... and one not to be merciless, the "short" middle track will give you a brief breather after the 15 minute Emperor before once again they lay it on strong.

If you like this groove, in addition to the obvious Headhunters, Crusaders type stuff, check out Fela Anikulapo Kuti's stuff (especially circa that era) - - another master of the extended instrumental afro-funk, dance/jazz groove... think you'll dig it ! ! !

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethiopian Knights, September 23, 2005

By 

D. S. HARDEN "a movie fan" (L.A.,CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Ethiopian Knights (Audio CD)

Donald Byrd takes you with him on this "trip!" Buy it, and mellow out! I need say no more! Five stars!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Classic"!! At least at my pad it is., May 11, 2004

By 

Daddy-o "paintfink" (Beatsville, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ethiopian Knights (Audio CD)

This is one of those albums everytime I put it on I hit repeat. It has the perfect mix of jazz with a "Funky as Hell" backbeat that puts a smile from ear to ear. My favorite is "Little Rasti" with the drum intro. (courtesy of Ed Green) and watch out! here comes Wilton Felder's funky ass bass line right behind him. Tasty! Man, why is great stuff like this always out of print. The world needs music like this- I know I do! Thank god for the internet, because I wouldn't have half the classic-soul/jazz-jazz/funk collection that I do and I love every bit of it. Get on it and search the world for the goods-they're out there!