Donald Byrd - The Cat Walk

Limited edition Japanese pressing of the 1961 album has been fully remastered and features the 6 original tracks including 'Duke's Mixture', 'Hello Bright Sunflower', 'Each Time I Think Of You' & 'Cute'. Blue Note. 2005. Album Description

Another 5 Star Gem by Byrd & Company!

People! People! Wake up and pay attention! This cat Donald Byrd can play that horn of his like nobody's business. I was so excited by this re-release on March 20th that I ordered it that same day. And needless to say, as always, the man and his band does not disappoint! On the contrary, this hard-bop recording is essential to any jazz fan's collection. Especially if you're a fan of Byrd's already. I can't believe it took them so long to re-release this. However thank you EMI and RVG indeed!

Donald is joined by Pepper Adams (baritone sax), Laymon Jackson (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums), and Duke Pearson (piano). All of them sound absolutely perfect on this recording. I am actually thinking about starting up a Donald Byrd fan club. I can't believe how great this guy was and how little we ever hear about him. Byrd, along with Kenny Dorham are two of the most underated trumpet players of all-time. It's a lonely world for many of us jazz fans. After listening to recordings like this, it's impossible for me to listen to all that crapola that so-called artists of today try to pass off as music. This is REAL music! Music that wakes you up, gets the heart pumping a little faster, takes the edge off, and finally, makes you feel happy just to be alive. April 13, 2007

Finally! The Cat Walks!

After many years of being unavailable, EMI has finally reissued "The Cat Walk" by Donald Byrd as part of their Blue Note RVG (Rudy Van Gelder) Remaster series (what took them so long?)
I first heard this album about 20 years ago when I found an LP in a second-hand record store. I remember liking it, but discarded it soon after I discovered that the "scuff" on side two was actually a scratch that was quite audible. Ever since then, my search for a replacement copy has proven fruitless, except for a number of expensive Japanese imports. For years now I've scoured the "B"'s in the Jazz section of Border's and the like figuring it was bound to turn up, but to no avail.
Well, I am happy to say that as of today March 20, 2007 this classic album is once again available, with enhanced sound and revised liner notes to boot! To my ears, this is one of the best Blue Note albums of all time. Strong words I know, considering the wealth of great Blue Note titles out there. But check this out: The combination of Pepper Adams' gritty baritone, Donald Byrd's lyrical trumpet, Philly Joe Jones' crisp, exciting drumming, Laymon Jackson's soulful bass and Duke Pearson's tasteful piano create a funky, Soul/Jazz groove that hits you right from the very first note! Add to that a mix of catchy original tunes (not always the case on a Blue Note album) plus Rudy Van Gelder's classic sound and you've got an album that can stand alongside any of Blue Note's best.
Highlights include the instantly likeable opener "Say You're Mine"; the funky title tune with its clever use of stop time; the incredibly fast and furious drum solo on Neal Hefti's "Cute"; and the upbeat closing tune "Hello Bright Sunflower". Don't wait another twenty years; get this while you can!
March 20, 2007

The Cat Walk is SMOKIN'!

This is truly an outstanding example of straight ahead soulful jazz. Duke Pearson contributes 4 great tunes on this one. Both Byrd and Adams solo beautifully throughout. "Cute" showcases Philly Joe, however on EACH tune he shows why he is THE MAN!! All this plus another fantastic recording job by Rudy Van Gelder. Absolutely an essential album for any serious collection. Five stars aren't nearly enough. January 10, 2001

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