Search - Donald Byrd :: Best of

The Standard for Funk

Patrice J. Jackson | San Antonio, TX United States | 05/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Because Donald Byrd exists, we have groups like 'The Brand New Heavies', 'Incognito', 'Nuyorican Soul'. Because Donald Byrd exists, numerous rappers are able to create, and rap to, beats that makes us wanna dance. Had it not been for Donald Byrd, a lot of music would sound so much different, if it would have existed at all.Donald Byrd does something with the trumpet that makes is sound so funky. The rhythms in the background just bring out the trumpet style that D.B. has mastered, and make one hell of a combination. Songs like "Places and Spaces", "Wind Parade", "Flight Time", and other beautiful selections are works of the mastermind that influenced a lot of funk artist today.A must have."

Jazz, funk, and just plain good music.

Jack Sprat | Plabo, Nicaragua | 02/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am an electic listener. I mostly dig this CD because of the soul or emotion that exudes from it. I'm not a jazz freak, but this CD should be in everyone's collection. Melody, harmony...it is just an excellent pick. I can't tell you my favorite track, but the standouts are "Dominoes," "Places and Spaces," and "Steppin' into Tomorrow." It is illegal to skip tracks once you insert this disc into your player. I repeat...this is an underrated CD if I ever saw one. This is for music lovers...not jazz lovers. Look at all of the hip hop acts that have sampled Byrd's tracks. Great music, and it is a shame that not everyone will hear this sound."

Revisiting Pop Jazz of the 1970s

Jeffrey D. Keith | Shoreline, WA | 08/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dr. Donald Byrd was one of the early crossover/smooth jazz artists. This album shows how forward thinking he was within that style so many years before Kenny G., et al. He (Dr. Byrd) knew that blending an r & b feel with a distinct jazz sensibility had lots of potential. This album has good stuff, both musically and historically."