Charlie Byrd: My Inspiration

Using a New York recording studio as neutral ground, this U.S./Brazil musical summit features the talents of Byrd, Chuck Redd, and Scott Hamilton on one hand, and Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta, Duduka Da Fonseca, and Maucha Adnet on the other. Throughout, Byrd, a master of many musical forms, provides the focus that brings everything to fruition.

Brazilian material necessarily dominates the program, although Byrd includes some interesting twists. On “Desifinada,” Adnet’s unpretentious, sometimes hauntingly earthy vocal is framed by guitar and Redd’s exquisite vibes, rarely featured in Brazilian music. Byrd’s guitar leads the way on the Latin treatment of Nappy Lamare’s “My Inspiration,” which also includes a breathy, velvety chorus by Hamilton. And the ageless adaptability of universally fine music is underscored by “Freddie’s Tune,” a vibrant Latin rendition of a Chopin prelude graced by tenor, vibes, and guitar.

Originally Published June 1, 1999