Great, early Donald Byrd LP on the Savoy label. Very nice tunes and ensemble consisting of Byrd on trumpet, Frank Foster on tenor sax, Hank Jones on piano, Paul Chambers (oddly credited as Dave Chambers) on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. A little too much reverb in some parts on the horns, but a very enjoyable session. I tend to like a more dry sound than what you have on this particular LP. But it's still a great soundin' album. Superb creamy and black cover as well with a young Donald Byrd and Paul Chambers on there. I have far too few Savoy's in the collection to date. I will look into getting some more. One for example, that is quite desirable to me is "Introducing Lee Morgan" which I will try and acquire. For many reasons I really dig these old Savoy LP's a lot. A cool, classic label. The ones I've heard are great music-wise, not over-the-top expensive, in other words a solid investment. Do any of you guys have any old Savoy favorites?
Favorite tune on the featured LP is probably "Long Green", the first track on Side 2. This album is smooth, loose and perfect to put on the turntable on a dark, cold and damp December afternoon like this. Donald Byrd is not my favorite trumpeter, but he always delivers an enjoyable experience, like on this effort. I would recommend this album to anyone. It's smooth hard bop with some cool cats and you can't go wrong with that.
Next year promises some exciting stuff, for example in the end of January, when I will purchase a great, rare album. A "holy grail" if you like. Looking forward to that. I have some other nice stuff lined up as well, so I'm starting off 2016 in high gear.
As I write this it's 4 P.M. here in Stockholm and it's pitch black outside. I will go on a family vacation on Wednesday to Jamaica. That will provide some much needed light, warmth and sunshine. I'm thrilled to be going there. Can't wait to sip on a cool one on the beach and take a dip in the Caribbean Sea. I won't be back until New Year's Eve. If I don't post while on vacation I would like to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Also, have a nice weekend and please, leave a comment if you like.