Blue Note was very lucky to have their Three Trumpeteers; Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard on the roster at the same time. Their combined, prolific output of albums, many of which attained classic status, is legendary. One constantly near the top of most lists is Byrd In Flight. Byrd decided to mix it up, with Jackie McLean (alto) on one date and Hank Mobley (tenor) on the second. Duke Pearson’s signature smooth piano work appears across the board as does the reliable drumming of Lex Humphries. Reggie Workman and Doug Watkins split duties on bass. Both sessions resulted in classic be-bop romps, mostly on originals such as Byrd’s Afro-Cuban tinged “Ghana” and “Lex,” a song dedicated to drummer Humphries. Pearson contributes three solid cuts with “Gate City,” “Bo and My Girl Shirl.” The lone standard tackled, “Little Boy Blue” is given an intelligent yet playful injection of the quintet’s personalities. This Classic Blue Note Signature LP Reissue Series release was mastered and cut on Classic’s ALL TUBE MONO cutting system allowing the listener to hear the music as Rudy Van Gelder mixed and intended it to be heard, in PURE MONO with no “faux stereo” artifacts from using a stereo cutter head! As always this release features authentic tip on jackets with film laminate front covers. Try and find an original that looks and sounds this good at any price!

Donald Byrd Byrd In Flight Track Listing

1. Ghana
2. Little Boy Blue
3. Gate City
4. Lex
5. Bo
6. My Girl Shirl
7. Child's Play
8. Carol
9. Soulful Kiddy