One of three
Donald Byrd albums from 1967 (the end of his hard bop period), this recording features the trumpeter/leader with altoist
Sonny Red, tenor saxophonist
Hank Mobley, pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
Walter Booker, and drummer
Billy Higgins. The six tunes (five of which are originals by
Byrd or
Red) are all quite obscure and to one extent or another quite explorative. One can sense that
Byrd wanted to break through the boundaries and rules of hard bop but had not yet decided on his future directions. The music does swing and highlights include "West of the Pecos" and "Beale Street";
Byrd and
Red in particular are in excellent form throughout the date. ~ Scott Yanow