With Strings

Donald Byrd and Clare Fischers 1957 New York studio collaboration is important for several reasons. For one, it marks Fischers first recording since January 1953, as well as his debut as the sole arranger for an album. It is equally important for Donald Byrd, as it remains the only album that the trumpeter ever made with string accompaniment.

Also included on this outstanding release is a New York, May 7, 1956 quartet session featuring the trumpeter backed by pianist Ray Santisi, bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Jimmy Zitano. Although this date varies greatly from Donald Byrd & Clare Fischers session with strings, we have decided to include it here in its entirety as bonus tracks, due to the dates equally unusual format. While Byrd recorded countless CDs in a quintet or sextet setting, the May 7, 1956 date is one of only two sessions that Byrd recorded as a leader in a quartet setting.


Tracklisting:
01. Stardust
02. Indian Summer
03. I'm A Fool To Want You
04. Someday My Prince Will Come
05. Moon Mist
06. I Get Along Without You Very Well
07. The Touch Of Your Lips
08. Lazy Afternoon
09. Varmeland
10. Love Is The Sweetest Thing
11. September Afternoon
12. Dearly Beloved
13. Little Rock Getaway *
14. Polka Dots and Moonbeams *
15. If I Love Again *
16. Stella By Stralight *
17. People Will Say We're In Love *
18. What's New *

(*) Bonus Tracks

Total time: 70:15 min.

Sources:
Tracks #1-12, from the album "September Afternoon" (Discovery DS-869)
Tracks #13-18, from the album "Byrd Blows On Beacon Hill" (Transition TRLP17)

Personnel on "September Song":
Donald Byrd (tp), Julius Baker (fl), Romeo Penque (cl), Clare Fischer (p, arr, cond), Milt Hinton (b), Osie Johnson (d), Harry Lookofsky, Gene Orloff (vln), Strings & Horns.
Recorded in New York City, 1957

Personnel on "Byrd Blows on Beacon Hill":
Donald Byrd (tp), Ray Santisi (p), Doug Watkins (b), Jimmy Zitano (d).
Recorded in New York City, May 7, 1956

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