This 1956 Donald Byrd quartet session, subsequently released in 1957 on Transition Records, sees the young trumpeter leading a Beacon Hill based rhythm section featuring bassist Doug Watkins, pianist Ray Santisi, and drummer Jim Zitano. The perfect line up for getting through a selection of classic standards such as "Stella by Starlight," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," and "What's New." The atmosphere is easy and relaxed, and far from the hard bop/soul mood that later became Byrd's signature. This is a highly-sensitive quartet that swings lightly and without unnecessary overplaying but with just the right hint of blues to make the music highly intriguing.

Donald Byrd – Byrd Blows On Beacon Hill

Label:	Sowing Records – SOW053
Format:	Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, clear vinyl
Country:	Europe
Released:	2024
Genre:	Jazz
Style:	Hard Bop