Remastered from the original analog tapes and cut at Third Man Pressing in Detroit, this high-quality reissue is produced by Third Man in partnership with Blue Note as part of their new 313 Series. Original Lab review:
Another great 70s Blue Note release from Donald Byrd (1970 to be exact). This one finds Byrd taking a cue from Miles Davis and adding electric elements to a larger than usual arrangement. The whole thing is produced by Duke Pearson (who also mans electric piano), who adds that sparse, latin touch a la his Phantom album. The opener "Estavanico" is a prime example of the sound and something you can listen to over and over. There's definitely some strong latin veins running through this (Airto is on percussion), check "Xibaba." "The Dude" is the album's funk moment, there's something great about Byrd playing alongside guitar. Lastly, check out the slowtempo "Essence." The electric elements take this song from snoozer territory to creeper.
- 180g turquoise colored vinyl
- part of Blue Note + Third Man's 313 Series of high-quality reissues pressed at Third Man Pressing in Detroit
- remastered + cut from the original analog tapes
- housed in deluxe tip-on sleeve w/ extensive liner notes
- first time on vinyl since 1996
- limited edition
- featuring Donald Byrd (t), Duke Pearson (elec. p), Wally Richardson (g), Pepper Adams (clarinet), Frank Foster (sax), Ron Carter (b), Mickey Roker (d), Airto Moreira (perc) + more
- original release year: 1970
- music label: Blue Note Records / Third Man Records 2023