• limited clear vinyl edition

This 1956 Donald Byrd’s quartet session, subsequently released in 1957 on Transition Records, sees the young trumpeter leading a Beacon Hill based rhythm section featuring bassist Doug Watkins, pianist Ray Santisi, and drummer Jim Zitano. The perfect line up for getting through a selection of classic standards such as “Stella by Starlight,” “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” and “What’s New”. The atmosphere is easy and relaxed, and far from the hard bop / soul mood that later became Byrd’s signature. This is a higly sensitive quartet that swings lightly and without unnecessary overplaying but with just the right hint of blues to make the music highly intriguing.

PERSONNEL:

Donald Byrd - (trumpet)
Ray Santisi - (piano)
Doug Watkins - (bass)
Jim Zitano - (drums)

Recorded at Steve Fassett Studio, 1956

TRACKS:

A1 Little Rock Getaway
A2 Polka Dots & Moonbeams
A3 People Say We're in Love

B1 If I Love Again
B2 What's New
B3 Stella by Starlight