Search - Donald Byrd, Pepper Adams :: Motor City Sscene

Mixed Feelings about Byrd and Adams

William Faust | Columbus, Ohio | 12/27/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I start this review by stating that I'm a dyed in the wool small group swing fanatic and anything that ventures beyond that genre (ie. "modern jazz") and beyond 1960 for that matter really has to grab me in some way to get my devotion. Like Miles' Kind of Blue, certainly not swing but deep and rich with new ideas. This collaboration, one of many between Adams and Byrd from the early 60's, just lacks any kind of special karma in my opinion. The ensemble is first rate - Adams, Byrd, Kenny Burrell, Tommy Flanagan, Louis Hayes and Paul Chambers. But the results are underwhelming - with one exception. Byrd's 10 minute solo effort on Star Dust is excellent. I could do with more of that. Otherwise, fairly forgettable."

Byrd Flying High on Fine Tone

Chris Kelly | San Francisco, CA USA | 05/19/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Byrd may not have been a virtuoso, but his beautiful trumpet tone and pure soul are standouts on this lovingly restored 1961 recording. Top-drawer players of the time joined Byrd and baritone sax man Adams on this one. Their version of "Stardust" is unforgettable, and upgrades my rating of this record a full star from 3 to 4."