Donald Byrd - Four Classic Albums (Off to the Races / Byrd in Hand / The Cat Walk / Royal Flush) (Digitally Remastered) (2022)

AVID Jazz presents the latest release in our Four Classic Album series with a second re-mastered 2CD release from Donald Byrd, complete with original artwork, liner notes and personnel details.

"Off To The Races"; "Byrd In Hand"; "The Cat Walk" and "Royal Flush".

We present our long overdue second outing from the man who was perhaps one of the most educated jazz musicians of the era, DONALD BYRD. Leaving college with a music degree in 1954 Byrd took flight during the bebop era hooking up with pianist Barry Harris while coming under the influence of none other than Clifford Brown. Throughout the fifties he was a prolific sideman and of course would go on to lead many of his own fine albums through the fifties, sixties and seventies. All the while he was still studying music, a masters degree in the late fifties, in France with famed teacher Nadine Boulanger, a law degree in 1976 not to mention a doctorate in the early eighties. For our four selections from the late fifties and early sixties we have chosen some outstanding performances from the Donald Byrd canon. On all four albums Byrd is featured with his great friend from Detroit, Baritone sax master Pepper Adams and what a dynamic combination the two make! Other fine musicians present include Jackie McLean, Wynton Kelly, Art Taylor, Charlie Rouse, Walter Davis Jr. Duke Pearson, Philly Joe Jones, Billie Higgins and in one of his very early recording dates, the legendary Herbie Hancock. As with all AVID releases, we hope you enjoy this classic set and check out our extensive catalogue for more great music across jazz and many other musical genres.