Donald Byrd was always one of Blue Note’s most Soul orientated artists – as his Fusion works of the seventies was to prove later. ‘Slow Drag’ from May 1967 accentuates the Soul Jazz feel of the period. On the opener ‘Slow Drag’, Byrd is magnificent as is alto saxophonist Sonny Red. The lilting piano of Cedar Walton is strident and subtle at the same time. . A young Billy Higgins on drums and bassist Walter Booker keep the cut simmering. ‘Books Bossa’, written by Walton and Booker is the album’s best known cut and is another fine slice of late 60’s Blue Note’. Less famous, but no less strong is the mystical ‘The Loner’ on which Cedar Walton’s contribution is truly magical. Donald Byrd’s warm and rich sound – often understated and under rated – is suited to the material as he allows the band and the music space to breathe.
Track listings:
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01 Slow Drag by Donald Byrd
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03 Book’s Bossa by Donald Byrd
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04 Jelly Roll by Donald Byrd
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05 The Loner by Donald Byrd
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06 My Ideal by Donald Byrd
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07 Secret Love by Elijah Blake
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