Donald Byrd - Kofi

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320 CBR LAME mp3
CD rip from Blue Note 31875

I was cruisin' for a Grant Green track that will be coming up in a future post and saw something mentioned at Ile Oxumare about the Blue Note Rare Groove reissue series done in partnership with EMI in the 90s being out of print. I didn't corroborate that factoid, pretty much 'cause it's summer, it's hot 'n' humid and I'm lazy (one more reason why this set is appropriate). I had a few discs from the series that I sold a couple years ago but I burned them first.

This is one you don't see around the web except at increasing prices. Noticed it was posted last year at San Pasquale but I figured since I already had it handy at a higher bitrate, I'd throw it out there. This was ripped from the Blue Note Rare Groove disc I originally got back in '96. Unfortunately, I traded it away two years ago and did not own a scanner at that time, so no full cover/insert scans as usual. However, I've tried to compile all the info possible on the session for the sake of posterity. Or something. Could be OCD but I'm too busy washing my hands all day to get it checked out. You know how it is.

Trumpet - Donald Byrd
Bass - Ron Carter
Bass [Electric] - Bob Cranshaw (tracks: 1, 2)
Drums - Airto (tracks: 1, 2) , Mickey Roker
Flute, Saxophone [Tenor] - Lew Tabackin
Guitar - Wally Richardson (tracks: 3, 4, 5)
Percussion - Airto (tracks: 3, 4, 5) , Dom Um Romao (tracks: 3, 4, 5)
Piano [Electric] - Duke Pearson
Producer - Duke Pearson
Saxophone [Tenor] - Frank Foster
Trombone - Bill Campbell (tracks: 1, 2)

Bob Belden Release Production
Herb Boyd Liner Notes
Michael Cuscuna Series Producer
Tom Evered Series Producer
Patrick Roques Art Direction, Design
Francis Wolff Cover Photo

1, 2 Recorded on December 16, 1969 at A&R Studios, New York City
3, 4, 5 Recorded on December 4, 1970 at A&R Studios, New York City Tracks

1. Kofi (9:30)
2. Fufu (9:45)
3. Perpetual Love (8:00)
4. Elmina (8:30)
5. The Loud Minority (10:00)

AMG review by Rob Theakston
"Kofi was extracted from some of last Blue Note sessions of the 1960s before Byrd's ventures into soul fusion territory. The playing here is no less than stellar, with seasoned veterans such as Ron Carter and Airto Moreira giving Byrd more than ample support to stretch out and soulfully foreshadow elements of future recordings. Lew Tabackin easily shares the spotlight with his beautiful flute passages on the title track, while Frank Foster and the rest of the supporting group complement Byrd's playing with a grace that emulates the early chemistry between the early Miles Davis groups of the early '60s. The subtle relaxed tones of this album make it truly one of the essential releases in Byrd's catalog, not only from a historical standpoint (his future collaborations with the Mizell brothers would take him to an entirely different plane of thought), but from a casual listening standpoint as well. "

All About Jazz Review by John Ballon
"An album of previously unreleased material taken from two 1969-1970 sessions which capture the immensely talented trumpeter Donald Byrd in a transitional moment of artistic brilliance. The first two tracks, “Kofi” and “Fufu,” were both recorded during the 1969 session, and are the most original and imaginative compositions on the album. Rooted in the hypnotic African-infused rhythms of drummer Mickey Roker, bassist Ron Carter, and percussionists Airto and Dom Um Romao, these two tracks synthesize the modal, electric, hard bop, and funk strains of late 60s jazz. On “Kofi,” Lew Tabackin's flute swirls freely above the thickly layered grooves and complex horn arrangements. Frank Foster plays with authority on “Fufu.” Byrd's playing on Kofi shows the influence of his vastly superior rival, Miles Davis. Still, his own distinct sound shines through, as he plays with great fluidity and style. With these recordings, Byrd was on the verge of his total fusion commercialization, but he hadn't sold out yet. The last three tracks (all recorded in 1970) are moody electric grooves that fit strongly within the realm of acid-jazz. Atmospheric, tribal, and funky, Kofi is a unique and compelling album. Pick it up before it goes out-of-print."

Too late, John! That's probably why you see it posted here on Soundological.

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