JAKI BYARD
Family Man (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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32 Jazz remembers Jaki Byard with the re-release of his 1978 Muse album, Family Man. For those who know Byard best as a sideman with Charles Mingus or Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the range he displays here as a player will be no surprise. Less expected may be his range as a composer. Like Kirk, Byard was on intimate terms with the entire sweep of jazz styles, as capable of blowing a New Orleans stomp as an atonal free frenzy, and very capable at each point and almost anything in between. On Family Man, that range is well displayed.

Accompanied by Major Holley on bass and tuba and percussionist Warren Smith and J.R. Mitchell, Byard contributes eight originals, along with a medley of "Mood Indigo" and "Chelsea Bridge" which he recorded as a tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Five of the Byard originals are from his "Family Suite," a series of musical portraits of his relations. There's also the lyrical "Ballad To Louise," dedicated to his wife and featuring Byard on tenor rather than his accustomed piano, with Smith on vibes. "Prelude #16" features Byard's alto work, augmented by effects.

This album is a fine tribute in itself, to the memory of one of the most underrated jazz men of his generation, and a fine introduction if his work as a leader and composer is unfamiliar to you.

Track List:

Just Rollin' Along * Mood Indigo/Chelsea Bridge * L.H. Gatewalk Rag * Ballad To Louise * Prelude #16 * Gaeta * Garr * Emil * John Arthur

© 2000 - Shaun Dale