Also intriguing are the four Byron originals. “Leopold, Leopold” is an homage to long-time Loony Tunes conductor Leopold Stokowski (and to Bugs Bunny) that chugs along with manic energy contrasts nicely with the gently swinging “Lefty Teachers At Home.” Both of these cuts also appeared in the PBS documentary “Strange Fruit.” The other two originals, the contemplative “HIMM” and “Abie The Fisherman” round out the collection.
While I am not necessarily in a position to pass judgment on the finer, obscurantist points of Don Byron paying homage to Lester Young, I can definitely pass judgment on the album as a whole. As the man said, “I know what I like.” Since I am not a hardcore jazzhead, one trio record can often sound pretty much like the next, but Byron and company have made a distinctive and original album that stands head and shoulders above the crowd. I’m sure the hardcore are already hard at work elucidating for me what I’ve missed and what I’ve gotten wrong, and I apologize in advance for any sins of commission, but the bottom line is that Don Byron makes music that, like the old Loony Tunes shorts, stimulates the fun zone and the brainy zone at the same time.
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Article comments
1 - godoggo
Check out The Clarinet In Jazz Since 1945. I happened upon it some time ago while looking for info on the late, great, avant garde clarinetist composer John Carter, who's recordings are essential to anyone with an interest in jazz clarinet or adventurous jazz regardless of instrument. There's a good page on Byron, too.