Charlie Byrd - For Louis (a tribute to Louis Armstrong)
It's a sad footnote toFor Louisthat before it was even released, Charlie Byrd passed away. Byrd's death in December 1999 ended an astonishing career, one that hit incredible highs withStan GetzonJazz Samba(not to mention theWoody Hermantours, the various Brazilian awards, etc.). But Byrd always elected a fairly low-key place in jazz, fingerpicking a nylon-string guitar rather than a more conventional electric instrument. He interjected Brazilian motifs and rhythmic structures all over the place--opening this tribute toLouis Armstrongwith a bossa-built reading ofSidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur," for example. Byrd's early studies withAndres Segoviaare abundantly evident in this last studio setting, his guitar shining like a low-watt bulb behind the horns and then in front of the rhythm and piano. The clarity in his tone is unmistakable on "Autumn in New York" and "A Child Is Born." As an Armstrong tribute,For Louishas a strong sense of identity and a clear focus on low-key swing that reaches its highest temperatures when trumpeterJoe Wilderis soloing. "What a Wonderful World" has a luminescent peace to it, like Segovia with the blues, and "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" sounds like a danceable summertime gem with samba hints and a spirited clip. It's a fine farewell for Byrd and a fine homage to Satchmo. --Andrew Bartlett