Don Byas, Classics Vol. 1
Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 04/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This first volume in the Chronological Classics series covering Don Byas has on it 2 Savoy sessions from 1944 with Charlie Shavers and Clyde Hart, a Jamboree date from 1945 with Joe Thomas on trumpet, and a rare Hub date from 1945 that features Big Bill Broonzy on 4 tracks. Byas has a sensual, warm tone on the tenor, whether playing way up tempo as on RIFFIN' AND JIVIN' or on slow ballads like YOU CALL IT MADNESS, BUT I CALL IT LOVE. Highlights here include the quick blues SAVOY JAM PARTY, PART 2 and SHOULD I off the Jamboree date. The Broonzy sides have Don playing obbligato behind the singer only, but JUST A DREAM has great lyrics. Byas was a masterful musician and these are wonderful recordings."