Search - Charlie Byrd :: Blues Sonata

One of byrd's best- unique mix of classical and jazz styles

J. Klugman | CT | 07/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album I owned in vinyl in the early 60's. I hadn't heard it in decades but, on coming across a reminder of its existance, I remembered it clearly and bought the cd. The title of the album refers to a 3 part piece composed by Byrd which combines classical and jazz guitar styles - it's unique, with a slightly Spanish flavor, with interwoven crystal-clear musical lines, and is immensely enjoyable. It is also totally unlike the bossa nova music which Byrd popularized in Jazz Samba, his collaboration with Stan Getz."

A Fine, Tasteful Album

Charles Calvert | Bellevue, WA United States | 12/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This should not be your first Charlie Byrd album. It doesn't have the wonderful Samba rhythms that make some of his best albums such joyous experiences. However, this is good jazz with a nice beat and some very hot guitar playing. I enjoyed it from the first time I heard it, but it definitely has grown on me after repeated listenings. All the songs have strong melodies and a nice, easy to find beat. You can hear each instrument very clearly, so that you can really enjoy the interplay between the guitar, bass, drums and piano. Some of the songs are romantic ballads, but most have enough energy to get you into a nice groove."

Vinyl to CD

Helen M. Mckay | Tea Gardens NSW Australia | 06/12/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Like J. Klugman, I too had this album on vinyl, which is why I ordered the "digitally remastered version" of Blues Sonata.

Sadly, the Wow is awful and the choice of material to fill the CD is disappointing, although I understand that there may be copyright restrictions on more appropriate tracks being utilised."