Donald Byrd - Kofi (1969)

Kofi was extracted from some of last Blue Note sessions of the 1960s before Byrd's ventures into soul fusion territory. The playing here is no less than stellar, with seasoned veterans such as Ron Carter and Airto Moreira giving Byrd more than ample support to stretch out and soulfully foreshadow elements of future recordings. Lew Tabackin easily shares the spotlight with his beautiful flute passages on the title track, while Frank Foster and the rest of the supporting group complement Byrd's playing with a grace that emulates the early chemistry between the early Miles Davis groups of the early '60s. The subtle relaxed tones of this album make it truly one of the essential releases in Byrd's catalog, not only from a historical standpoint (his future collaborations with the Mizell brothers would take him to an entirely different plane of thought), but from a casual listening standpoint as well. - by Rob Theakston, AMG

Tracks:
1. Kofi (Donald Byrd) 7:46
2. Fufu (Donald Byrd) 9:39
3. Perpetual Love (Donald Byrd) 7:38
4. Elmina (Donald Byrd) 8:37
5. The Loud Minority (Frank Foster) 9:56

Personnel:
Donald Byrd (Trumpet)
William Campbell (Trombone) - 1,2
Lew Tabakin (Tenor Saxophone and Flute) - 1,2
Frank Foster (Tenor Saxophone)
Duke Pearson (Electric Piano)
Ron Carter (Double Bass)
Bob Cranshaw (Bass Guitar) - 1,2
Airto Moreira (Drums and Percussion)
Wally Richardson (Guitar) - 3-5
Mickey Roker (Drums) - 3-5
Dom Um Romao (Percussion) - 3-5

reup. 05 Nobember 2010