Jaki Byard - Hi-Fly (1962)

Jaki Byard - Hi-Fly (1962)

jazz, | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 240MB

OJC limited edition

Allmusic:
Following the success of Here's Jaki, the eclectic pianist continued his explorations in a trio format, with Pete La Roca replacing Roy Haynes on the drums. The set mixes standards with some forgotten gems, plus three originals. The "Excerpts from Yamecraw" is an updated version of the nearly forgotten James P. Johnson orchestral suite, which is complimented here by the Byard original "There Are Many Worlds," which was also written for an orchestra. "Tillie Butterball" is a fun blues romp based on a puppy and a bowling alley. Byard's distinctive approach is evident on Randy Weston's title track "Hi-Fly" and George Shearing's "Lullaby of Birdland," while his debt to Thelonious Monk, sprinkled throughout this session, is obvious on "'Round Midnight." What makes this session special, however, is his original "Here to Hear." His multi-influenced compositional style matched by his versatile technique is explored at length. There are certain pieces that can never be interpreted by anyone else but the composer, and that is the case here, for it would be virtually impossible, and futile, to try and duplicate the individual genius of Jaki Byard. This stands as one of his best.

Tracks
-1. "Hi-Fly" (Randy Weston) - 3:58
-2. "Tillie Butterball" - 5:13
-3. "Excerpts from "Yamecraw"" - 4:36
-4. "There Are Many Worlds" - 5:27
-5. "Here to Hear" - 7:44
-6. "Lullaby of Birdland" (George Shearing, George David Weiss) - 3:22
-7. "'Round Midnight" (Thelonious Monk) - 4:56
-8. "Blues in the Closet" (Oscar Pettiford) - 4:28

Personnel
* Jaki Byard - piano
* Ron Carter - bass
* Pete La Roca - drums

 sample & buy: Hi-Fly

 

Jaki Byard - On The Spot! (1967)

Jaki Byard - On The Spot! (1967)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 235MB

OJC

Allmusic:
This album mostly features pianist Jaki Byard (who plays alto on "A-Toodle-oo, Toodle-oo") with a quartet comprised of trumpeter Jimmy Owens, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Billy Higgins in 1967. With a repertoire stretching from "I Fall In Love Too Easily" and the boppish "Second Balcony Jump" to "GEB Piano Roll" and even "Alexander's Ragtime Band," the music serves as a perfect outlet for Jaki Byard's eclectic talents; a highlight is the Byard-Chambers duet "P.C. Blues." The recording is rounded off by a leftover track ("Spanish Tinge") from a 1965 live session featuring Byard, bassist George Tucker and drummer Alan Dawson.

Tracks
-1. "A-Toodle-Oo, Toodle-Oo" - 3:51
-2. "I Fall in Love Too Easily" (Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne) - 2:31
-3. "Olean Visit" - 5:58
-4. "Spanish Tinge" - 6:17
-5. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (Irving Berlin) - 2:34
-6. "On the Spot" - 3:22
-7. "GEB Piano Roll" - 2:42
-8. "Second Balcony Jump" (Billy Eckstine, Gerald Valentine) - 6:57
-9. "P.C. Blues" - 2:19
-10. "Snow Flakes" - 3:14
* Recorded at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on February 16, 1967 except track 4 which was recorded live at Lennie's on the Turnpike in West Peabody, Massachusetts on April 15, 1965

Personnel
* Jaki Byard - piano, alto saxophone
* Jimmy Owens - trumpet, flugelhorn, tambourine
* Paul Chambers (tracks 1-3 & 5-10), George Tucker (track 4) - bass
* Alan Dawson (track 4), Billy Higgins (tracks 1-3 & 5-10) - drums

 sample & buy: On the Spot

 

Jaki Byard - Blues for Smoke (1960)

Jaki Byard - Blues for Smoke (1960)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 195MB

Candid

Allmusic:
Pianist Jaki Byard's first recording as a leader was not released domestically until this 1988 CD. That fact seems strange for Byard is absolutely brilliant on the solo piano set. Many of his selections (all nine tunes are his originals) look both backwards to pre-bop styles and ahead to the avant-garde including such numbers as "Pete and Thomas (Tribute to the Ticklers)," "Spanish Tinge No. 1," and "One, Two, Five." The most remarkable selection is "Jaki's Blues Next" which has Byard alternating between James P. Johnson-type stride and free form à la Cecil Taylor; at its conclusion he plays both styles at the same time. A highly recommended outing from a very underrated pianist.

Tracks
-1. "Journey/Hollis Stomp/Milan to Lyon" - 5:57
-2. "Aluminum Baby" - 4:32
-3. "Pete and Thomas (Tribute to the Ticklers)" - 3:41
-4. "Spanish Tinge No 1" - 4:12
-5. "Flight of the Fly" - 5:44
-6. "Blues for Smoke" - 4:52
-7. "Jaki's Blues Next" - 2:07
-8. "Diane's Melody" - 5:05
-9. "One Two Five" - 2:40

Personnel
* Jaki Byard - piano

 sample & buy: Blues for Smoke