Jazz Articles about The Eric Byrd Trio + 4

The Eric Byrd Trio + 4: Brother Ray

by C. Michael Bailey
February 24, 2008

Ray Charles has been spared the anemic tribute efforts others have had to endure. With the recent release of Maceo Parker's Roots and Grooves, and now the Eric Byrd Trio's Brother Ray, we are treated to two very fine tribute recordings that stand firmly on their own creative feet. Like Parker, pianist/vocalist Byrd is a superb Charles interpreter. Where Parker has an intensely personal vocal style well-suited to Charles' music, Byrd has a cognac-smooth delivery.

In conventional fashion, Byrd introduces ...