CHARLIE BYRD
Byrd Song - Charlie Byrd With Voices
(Original Jazz Classics)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Byrd Song evokes mixed emotions in me. Recorded in 1965 and just remastered this year, it highlights the great Charlie Byrd on acoustic guitar along with Keter Betts on bass and Bill Reichenbach on drums. In addition, many of the songs feature background vocals, sort of a wordless musical voicing. The liner notes state "The voices which are on a great many of the numbers do not sing lyrics, but merely punctuate and dramatize the sound."

Here is my dilemma. I love the numbers with only Byrd and his trio. Songs such as "My Favorite Things," "Who Will Buy?," and "Wildcat" are extraordinary. These numbers captivate my attention and sparkle with inspired playing and exotic interpretations. However, I struggle with the songs utilizing the vocals. These border on easy listening. I can't help but thinking I'm hearing the closing theme to the 1966/67 television series "Star Trek." You know, the one where the woman wordlessly hums an eerie musical theme over the closing credits. The vocals on Byrd Song, rather than enhancing the music, serve as a distraction to me. This is unfortunate, since the actual songs are timeless classics such as "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," "This Can't Be Love," "God Bless The Child," or "Born To Be Blue." Byrd is outstanding throughout, regardless of the circumstance and carries on a wonderful rapport with the bass and drums. But those voices....

So, I recommend this cd with reservations. The music of Byrd and his trio is evocative and elegant. Charlie Byrd has always been one of the best jazz guitarists around, and his world class acoustic guitar technique was a perfect blend of classical and jazz styles. The selected material is great. The added voices are a distraction for me, though. However, check out this music. It's worth hearing at least once, and perhaps you will disagree with me and find the vocal musings actually enhance the music and mood. I do admire Byrd for taking chances.

[Pick this up at www.fantasyjazz.com.]

© 2003 - Ron Saranich