Jazz Articles about Charlie Byrd

Charlie Byrd: My Inspiration

by Jim Santella
January 1, 1999

Born 1925 in Virginia, guitarist Charlie Byrd started his professional career shortly after World War II touring with jazz bands such as that of saxophonist Joe Marsala. In his early twenties, the guitarist learned the ropes while on the road from Chicago to New York and Washington, D.C. He later studied guitar with Andrés Segovia and learned to incorporate classical features into his jazz performance. After working on a South American tour for the U.S. State Department, Byrd helped introduce ...

The Charlie Byrd Trio: Au Courant

by Robert Spencer
February 1, 1998

Au Courant indeed! Here's Charlie Byrd playing W.C. Handy, Rodgers and Hart, Jobim, Johnny Mercer, and, for goodness' sake, Henry Mancini with nothing but an acoustic guitar, his brother Joe's upright bass, and Chuck Redd's vibraphone! Does it work? Does it work! These are highly familiar songs played in a quiet, intimate setting that illustrates with peculiar and intoxicating vividness why these guys' songs have lasted this long. The no-voltage setting turns one's attention to the melodies, revealing aspects of ...

Charlie Byrd: Au Courant

by Jim Santella
February 1, 1998

Growing up in rural Virgina, meeting and working with Django Reinhardt, studying with Andres Segovia, and recording jazz albums for over 40 years has given Charlie Byrd much to share with his audiences. The title of this album, meaning “up to date," reminds us that this timeless music we call Jazz never fails to lose its spark; especially in the hands of a trio like this one.

Byrd learned two of the songs on this album, “St. Louis Blues" and ...