Jaki Byard was captured alone in a Milan studio for this delightful session. As usual, he displays his formidable technique with an ever-present twinkle of humor. Everything from early jazz ("Tin Roof Blues") to classic renditions of Ellington masterpieces (an introspective "Solitude" and a rollicking "Caravan") to the surprisingly enjoyable arrangement of the usually saccharine Chuck Mangione hit "Land of Make Believe" is worth repeated hearings. Another surprise is his hilarious but solid reworking of another pop smash, "Ode to Billie Joe." Several strong Byard originals round out this highly recommended CD. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
1. To Them, to Us (Jake Byard)
2. BL + WH = 88 (Jaki Byard)
3. Tin Roof Blues (Brunies/Mares/Melrose/Pollack/Roppolo/Stitzel)
4. Land of Make Believe (Chuck Mangione)
5. Solitude (DeLange/Ellington/Mills)
6. Caravan (Ellington/Mills/Tizol)
7. Ode to Billie Joe (Bobby Gentry)
8. Send One Your Love (Stevie Wonder)
9. Excepts from Trumpet Concerto (Jaki Byard)
JAKI BYARD solo piano
Recorded May 27, 1981 at Bergonzzi Studio, Milano
SOUL NOTE Records SN 1025 CD