His new album with Tribe Judah may be called Beginnings, but trumpet player Isaac Byrd, Jr. certainly doesn't sound like a beginner. The soulful depth and evocative tunefulness of the record leaves the fingerprints of an established, boldly confident musician, one who knows quite well how to express his innermost emotions through his instrument.
While many instrumental albums are merely exercises in technical expertise, Beginnings is a collection of moods. Byrd is a storyteller without words, conjuring vivid imagery through the velvety smooth melodies of his trumpet. On “Days Gone By," Byrd's playing has the laid-back vibe of a summer afternoon, the hours ticking away under the golden umbrella of the sun. For the evening Byrd offers “Slow Jam," nighttime romanticism with some of his most lush, sexiest playing; it's definitely a gift for the couples.
Even if the titles weren't so revealing, you'd still know that “Feels So Good" simply reflects what Byrd is experiencing, the joy of living life. “Feels So Good" is truth in advertising; that's exactly what listening to the track is like, Byrd's chill-out trumpet soothing the ears like the warm caress of soft pillows. There are upbeat moments as well, and they are equally memorable. “Say Yes" features driving piano and the soaring “Tribe's Groove" touches upon light funk.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Byrd is actually a multi-instrumentalist although he is best known for his trumpet work. His decision to become a musician was influenced by his father at a young age. “My father, Isaac Byrd, Sr., introduced music to me," Byrd revealed. “I started playing trumpet and drums at four-years-old. I heard Miles Davis to George Benson and many more by the age of five. When I was in high school, about 16, I decided to give up sports as a pursuit for my career and go into music. I always knew I wanted to do music." Football may have lost a future star quarterback, but jazz gained a stellar artist whose mark on the field is just beginning.
While many instrumental albums are merely exercises in technical expertise, Beginnings is a collection of moods. Byrd is a storyteller without words, conjuring vivid imagery through the velvety smooth melodies of his trumpet. On “Days Gone By," Byrd's playing has the laid-back vibe of a summer afternoon, the hours ticking away under the golden umbrella of the sun. For the evening Byrd offers “Slow Jam," nighttime romanticism with some of his most lush, sexiest playing; it's definitely a gift for the couples.
Even if the titles weren't so revealing, you'd still know that “Feels So Good" simply reflects what Byrd is experiencing, the joy of living life. “Feels So Good" is truth in advertising; that's exactly what listening to the track is like, Byrd's chill-out trumpet soothing the ears like the warm caress of soft pillows. There are upbeat moments as well, and they are equally memorable. “Say Yes" features driving piano and the soaring “Tribe's Groove" touches upon light funk.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Byrd is actually a multi-instrumentalist although he is best known for his trumpet work. His decision to become a musician was influenced by his father at a young age. “My father, Isaac Byrd, Sr., introduced music to me," Byrd revealed. “I started playing trumpet and drums at four-years-old. I heard Miles Davis to George Benson and many more by the age of five. When I was in high school, about 16, I decided to give up sports as a pursuit for my career and go into music. I always knew I wanted to do music." Football may have lost a future star quarterback, but jazz gained a stellar artist whose mark on the field is just beginning.
