Year: 2001
Record Label: JEB Music
Style: Brazilian Jazz / Brazilian Pop Jazz
Musicians: Joe Byrd (b), Steve Abshire (g), Chuck Redd (vibes), Mike Shepherd (d), Robert Redd (p)
Review: The spirit of Charlie Byrd lives on in this wonderful tribute, elegantly presented in a live recording performed at "The Rams Head On Stage" in Annapolis.
This was the second tribute concert for Charlie Byrd at this venue. As a side note, I might add that Joe Byrd's soft and cultured Virginia accent as he introduces the band, the Brazilian Ambassador and the tune "Triste" only adds to the well balanced equanimity of this album. Byrd humorously advises us that Triste means 'sad' in Portuguese although some ensembles "play it as fast as a square dance"
Mike Shepherd on Drums sets an exotic beat to "One Note Samba" A little unison work between the Vibes and Guitar and magnificent comping by Robert Redd was followed by Joe Byrd's alluring solo. He plumbs the musical depths of the Bass as he coaxes all the beauty possible out of his instrument. Joe Byrd's strong accompaniment within the framework of the group is matched only by his magical soliloquies.
Steve Abshire's melodic Guitar style is the straw that stirs the drink in this Quintet. His choruses are well put together gems that can be as sweet as a dixie peach or as smoldering as a Tidewater sunset in October.
Chuck Redd (Vibes) was Charlie Byrd's Drummer for a good part of 20 years and his playing on his disc, albeit on Vibes, gives the listener a chance to understand why he was such an intricate part of Byrd's flock.
Robert Redd at the Keyboard comps with the best of them. This ability enhances the soloists immeasurably. His style fits in beautifully and his musical message is pure and exquisite in its content.
This CD is welcome addition to any collection and is a musical text book for the aspiring Jazz artist.
This CD is available in the Maryland area and by visiting http://www.joebyrdjazz.com
Tracks: One Note Samba, Meditation, Intro Of Band, O Barquino, Intro Of Brazilian Ambassador, Black Orpheus, Wave, Intro Of Triste, Orpheus Samba.
Artist's Website: http://www.joebyrdjazz.com
Reviewed by:
John Gilbert
Click here for printer-friendly version of review.
Send this page to a friend.
JazzReview.com
