Guitarist
Charlie Byrd's first record features him at age 31 playing his Spanish guitar in a style that was already recognizable. Most of the selections on this out-of-print LP showcase
Byrd with bassist
Al Lucas, drummer
Bobby Donaldson and flutist
Tommy Newsom performing lyrical versions of ballads. However "Chuck-a-Tuck" (which has
Newsom on tenor) and "Homage to
Charlie Christian" are major departures. On those two songs,
Byrd switches to electric guitar and shows that he could play bebop with the best of his contemporaries. Other highlights include "My Funny Valentine," "My Heart Stood Still" and "Spring Is Here." ~ Scott Yanow