Jaki Byard - Blues for Smoke

Jaki Byard - Blues for Smoke

Arguably the most versatile pianist in Jazz, Jaki Byard is shamefully underrated and unknown. Born in 1922, he was able to live through and skillfully adapt to all the changes Jazz went through, playing with both Earl Bostic and Eri Dolphy. Most importantly, he was a member of Charles Mingus' band. All of these experiences helped Byard develop his own unique style that he showed throughout his many releases until becoming a music professor at various elite colleges.

Blues for Smoke is Byard's debut as a leader. Criminally unknown due to it not being released domestically until almost 30 years after its original release, Blues for Smoke comes with nine original compositions that look at both pre-bop styles ("Aluminum Baby", "Flight of the Fly") and the avant-garde ("Spanish Tinge No. 1", "Pete and Thomas"). "Jaki's Blues Next" has Byard alternate between stride and free form á la Cecil Taylor, and by the end of the track he plays both at the same time. Thus, Blues for Smoke is an exciting and unusual piano Jazz record that has a mix of different styles all played well by the genius of Byard. 

Blues for Smoke.