Blues for Smoke

by Jaki Byard

Overview

Pianist Jaki Byard's first recording as a leader was not released domestically until this 1988 CD. That fact seems strange for Byard is absolutely brilliant on the solo piano set. Many of his selections (all nine tunes are his originals) look both backwards to pre-bop styles and ahead to the avant-garde including such numbers as "Pete and Thomas (Tribute to the Ticklers)," "Spanish Tinge No. 1," and "One, Two, Five." The most remarkable selection is "Jaki's Blues Next" which has Byard alternating between James P. Johnson-type stride and free form a la Cecil Taylor; at its conclusion he plays both styles at the same time. A highly recommended outing from a very underrated pianist. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	03/14/2025
Label:	Candid
UPC:	0708857335114

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jaki Byard   Primary Artist,Piano,Soloist

Technical Credits

Nat Hentoff   Producer,Supervisor
Malcolm Walker   Design
Bob d'Orleans   Engineer
Jaki Byard   Composer
Alan Bates   Liner Notes,Producer