Charlie Byrd : Blackjack

Length: 40:15

  Albert 'Tootie' Heath - Drums
  Billy Higging - Drums
  Billy Higgins - Drums
  Cedar Walton - Piano
  Donald Byrd - Trumpet
  Eddie Khan - Bass
  Hank Mobley - Sax (Tenor)
  Herbie Hancock - Piano
  Jimmy Heath - Sax (Tenor)
  Sonny Red - Sax (Alto)
  Walter Booker - Bass

One of three Donald Byrd albums from 1967 (the end of his hard bop period), this recording features the trumpeter/leader with altoist Sonny Red, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Walter Booker, and drummer Billy Higgins. The six tunes (five of which are originals by Byrd or Red ) are all quite obscure and to one extent or another quite explorative. One can sense that Byrd wanted to break through the boundaries and rules of hard bop but had not yet decided on his future directions. The music does swing and highlights include 'West of the Pecos' and 'Beale Street' ; Byrd and Red in particular are in excellent form throughout the date. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

UK pressing features a total of 7 tracks including 'Eldorardo', 'Blackjack', 'All Members' & 'Beale Street'. EMI. 2000.