Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Charlie Byrd: Homage to Jobim

Charlie Byrd: Homage to Jobim

By Jim Santella
March 19, 2005
Sign in to view read count

Charlie Byrd was a genius. For this live session that opened the 26th annual Fujitsu-Concord Jazz Festival in 1994, the guitarist brought in harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and one of the finest rhythm sections around for his set. A tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim, the program features Byrd's musical partners in a sensual bossa nova excursion.

As Byrd weaves his melodic lines around Peplowski's clarinet expressions and Meurkens' lovely harmonica stories, you can feel the music's warm passion. The program surges ahead gently, with a delicate nature and a genuine, heartfelt interpretation of these classic melodies.

It was in 1962 that Byrd's album Jazz Samba launched the bossa nova wave in North America on the strength of the memorable single "Desafinado." His fingerstyle approach to the acoustic nylon guitar has affected millions.

Originally released in 1995 as part of a larger Concord package, this session remains truly significant in the hearts of bossa nova lovers. The ensemble's interpretation of "No More Blues" captures its essence as Byrd and company rollick through the cool mist for nearly twelve minutes. The festival's magic spirit had an obvious effect. Solos from guitar, harmonica, piano and clarinet saunter leisurely over a hip rhythmic character that creates the album's high point. This is magical music from a faraway place that has now become ingrained in the culture of the world.

Track Listing

Favela; If You Never Come to Me; Desafinado; Once I Loved; Beyond the Horizon; Chega de Saudade; Watch What Happens.

Personnel

Charlie Byrd

guitar

Charlie Byrd- guitar; Hendrik Meurkens- harmonica; Ken Peplowski- clarinet; Allen Farnham- piano; Bill Douglass- bass; Chuck Redd- drums; Michael Spiro- percussion.

Album information

Title: Homage To Jobim | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Concord Music Group

< Previous
One Foot in the Swamp

Next >
Structure

Comments

About Charlie Byrd

Instrument: Guitar

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.