DONALD BYRD
At The Half Note Cafe Volumes 1 & 2 (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Recorded live in New York City in 1960, and recently reissued in remastered sound, this double CD documents Donald Byrd's working band at that time. It featured Byrd on trumpet, the great Pepper Adams on baritone sax, the multi-talented Duke Pearson on piano, Laymon Jackson on bass, and Lex Humphries on drums. The musicians worked well as a group.

At The Half Note Cafe Volume 1 & 2 is a fully realized album featuring raw and emotional solos by Byrd, Adams, and Pearson, and each soloist has something meaningful to say. The combination of trumpet and baritone sax is bewitching. Adams was one of the absolute best on his chosen instrument, and he was in fine form for this gig. The sounds he produced on the big horn were both eloquent and exuberant. Byrd is on fire, playing pure jazz in the passionate style he exhibited before the fame and fortune of jazz fusion tempted him astray. Pearson is a pleasure to hear. His work throughout is joyous and noteworthy.

In 2000, Blue Note first released both volumes 1 and 2 of this concert together as a package. If you already own that CD, I would not recommend buying this release. There isn't much in the way of new music and the sound is not significantly better. However, if you don't have this wonderful jazz album yet, be sure to grab it while you can as it quite simply belongs in the collection of serious hard bop fans. If you enjoy impressive compositions combined with formidable playing, this uncompromising live session is a must buy.

© 2004 - Ron Saranich