Jaki Byard: European Episode
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Recorded: New York, December 16, 1960
Rating: 100/100 (learn more)
This piece appears on Out Front also, but this version is a killer solo performance on Blues for Smoke, Jaki’s first record date. It’s an excerpt from a lengthy piece by Jaki that goes through a lot of piano history. I know I've adopted that all-encompassing aspect of his playing. Jaki was comfortable in many styles, and was totally committed to all of them. Anyway, this piece is very quick and the listener gets to hear Jaki’s phenomenal agility. His hands weren't large, but he was able to play sounds that pianists with big hands cannot even attempt to grasp.
Reviewer: Jason Moran
Tags: 1960s jazz · piano solo
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