Weaving the sound of an acoustic guitar with that of a brass ensemble--even one as discreet as the ABQ-- can be troublesome, to put it mildly. But Tommy Newsom's arrangements of the six swing-era standards that make up the bulk of the album are surprisingly effective. Even on the robust Strike Up the Band, which makes wonderful use of the Quintet's rich tonal palette, Byrd swings freely, with elegance and precision.
Even better are the album's title track (by C. Warren Kellerhouse)1 and En Memoria de Chano Pozo, David Amram's moving tribute to the great Cuban jazz percussionist. In capitalizing on Byrd's love of Latin music and the Quintet's chamber music sensibilities, these tunes make for a seamless and lovely union of guitar and brass.
CHARLIE BYRD TRIO and the ANNAPOLIS BRASS QUINTET, "Byrd & Brass" (Concord CJ 304): Appearing Friday and Saturday at the King of France Tavern in Annapolis.
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1 Edit: Composer's name-was not in original article
Even better are the album's title track (by C. Warren Kellerhouse)1 and En Memoria de Chano Pozo, David Amram's moving tribute to the great Cuban jazz percussionist. In capitalizing on Byrd's love of Latin music and the Quintet's chamber music sensibilities, these tunes make for a seamless and lovely union of guitar and brass.
CHARLIE BYRD TRIO and the ANNAPOLIS BRASS QUINTET, "Byrd & Brass" (Concord CJ 304): Appearing Friday and Saturday at the King of France Tavern in Annapolis.
________________
1 Edit: Composer's name-was not in original article