Donald Byrd ~ USA

Ethiopian Nights (1972)

What was I saying on Black Byrd about wah wah rhythm guitar? Holy Moly. What a groove A1 has. And by the time Harold Land's sax solo comes across, you find yourself completely immersed into Byrd's new vision of jazz funk. As if to prove that track wasn't a fluke, the entire B side has a similar deep groove. Here, though, the psychedelic is played up much more. Of all the 50s and 60s era jazzers, Donald Byrd seems to be the one I connect with the most in his jazz funk stage. Even more so than Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.

Ownership: 1972 Blue Note (LP). Acquired in 2026.

9/8/26 (review)

Thank You… For F.U.M.L (Funking Up My Life) (1978)

A good example of desperation so as to stay in the game. Back cover gives the game away with Byrd looking ridiculous in his double breasted yacht captain suit. Long ways from the gritty aura of Ethiopian Nights, Black Byrd, and Street Lady. Of course it must be stated that Byrd wasn't above recent trends, and played right into the jazz funk movement of the early 70s. He just happened to be really good at it. And here he follows the style of the day: Disco. And to be fair, this is a decent attempt for relevancy. The final track 'Close Your Eyes and Look Within' offers promise that Byrd could have had another winner on his side. Too many strings, boring beats, and annoying vocals sink this title though. Feels like a contract obligation album for Byrd. 

Source: 1978 Elektra (LP)

3/17/24 (review)

Black Byrd (1973)

Ever since hearing Street Lady, I knew I wanted to hear other Byrd albums from the time period. And Black Byrd is the beginning of the sound that we hear on Street Lady. As many have noted, it's pretty much a Mizell Brothers dominated release (i.e. they wrote most of the music). Apparently - in its day - the album caused an uproar with traditional jazz enthusiasts. And that frustration the critics expressed had such a profound effect - that Black Byrd became one of Blue Note's best sellers. Haha. I personally love this kind of analog breezy jazz funk. And Roger Glenn once again shines on flute, along with some innovative trumpet from Byrd. I'm a sucker for wah wah rhythm guitar and active percussion, and there's plenty of that too. Vocals are probably unnecessary but they are sparse. Love the 1897 vintage photo cover from Knoxville, Tennessee. A powerful image. Definitely keeping this one.

Ownership: 1973 Blue Note (LP). Acquired in 2021.

5/30/21 (review)

Stepping into Tomorrow (1975)

As the first notes play, it's apparent the groove will remain the same as on Street Lady. But it's even more slick, and adds female vocals to give it a more commercial feel. Gone is Roger Glenn and his flute, and his playing would have been perfect here. For this album, the best track IMO is towards the end, and that would be 'You are the World'. Overall not at the level of Street Lady, but a keeper all the same.

Ownership: 1975 Blue Note (LP). Acquired in 2021.

3/13/21 (review)

Street Lady (1973)

The first two tracks are about perfect for funky jazz. What a groove. Wonderful analog synthesizer, guitar, and of course Byrd's trumpet. Best of all is Roger Glenn's flute. He's killing it here. I love these large ensembles, and this one counts to 10. All six songs are great, but the first two and 'Witch Hunt' take the prize. 

Ownership: 1973 Blue Note (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2021.

3/11/21 (review)

Also own: Fancy Free

9/8/26 (new entry)