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4.0 out of 5 stars
Superlative Byard solo and group work, June 19, 2008
This review is from: Solo / Strings (Audio CD)
Jaki Byard was an eclectic and exciting pianist who was an orchestra unto himself.
This cd is a compilation of most of two very different but worthy Byard Prestige albums from the late '60s.
His "Solo" album is the real prize here, although "Strings" is an interesting and fine project as well.
Byard's encyclopaedic range of jazz styles from early 20th century ragtime through contemporary music is on display, especially on the "Solo" album. Enjoy his humor, technique and his wild imagination on his originals "Top Of The Gate Rag" and "Hollis Stomp" on "Solo". His romp and history lesson on the blues in "New Orleans Strut" is also a highpoint for me. I was disappointed that his version of "Hello Young Lovers" from the original LP issue was left off this cd, but that is my only issue with this package. "Strings" has an intriguing instrumental line-up of guitar (a young George Benson), cello, violin (a spirited Ray Nance), bass and drums and features some nice arrangements by Byard as well as a long jam tune. Alan Dawson, Richard Davis and Byard made up one of the sixties' greatest (and most underrated) rhythm sections and it's always a pleasure to hear them together, as they are here on the "Strings" session. Byard has a crazy, joyous and particularly memorable ride on his "How High The Moon" solo from this set. Enjoy!
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