Donald Byrd - Blackjack (2015) [Hi-Res]

„One of three Donald Byrd albums from 1967 (the end of his hard bop period), this recording features the trumpeter/leader with altoist Sonny Red, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Walter Booker, and drummer Billy Higgins. The six tunes (five of which are originals by Byrd or Red) are all quite obscure and to one extent or another quite explorative. One can sense that Byrd wanted to break through the boundaries and rules of hard bop but had not yet decided on his future directions. The music does swing and highlights include 'West of the Pecos' and 'Beale Street'; Byrd and Red in particular are in excellent form throughout the date.“ (Scott Yanow)

Donald Byrd, trumpet
Sonny Red, alto saxophone
Hank Mobley, tenor saxophone
Cedar Walton, piano
Walter Booker, bass
Billy Higgins, drums

Recorded on January 9, 1967 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs
Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder
Produced by Alfred Lion

Digitally remastered