Recorded December 11, 1961.
Packaged in standard jewel case with four-page color insert and obi. Made in Japan.
Track 6 is a bonus track.
"Free Form" is a remarkable jazz album by the legendary trumpeter Donald Byrd, released in 1962 and now available in CD format from UNIJ. This record captures Byrd at a creative peak, exploring post-bop with an adventurous spirit alongside Herbie Hancock on piano, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The album features innovative compositions like "Pentecostal Feelin'" and "Night Flower," showcasing Byrd's lyrical trumpet style and his ability to push the boundaries of modern jazz while remaining deeply melodic. Donald Byrd was one of the most influential figures in jazz history; his career spanned hard bop to fusion, earning him critical acclaim for albums such as "Black Byrd" and collaborations with Art Blakey?s Jazz Messengers. UNIJ is known for its commitment to high-quality audio releases that preserve classic recordings for new generations of listeners.
This album was recorded in 1961 and released on Blue Note Records. The quintet features Byrd with Wayne Shorter(sax), Herbie Hancock(piano), Butch Warren(bass) and Billy Higgins on drums. The title track of this cd is a litle too 'free form' for a straight bop/hardbop fan like me, but I can appreciate the other selections on this disk. All of Byrd's late fiftees and sixtees stuff on Blue Note deserves a place in everyone's cd collection. The Herbie Hancock original "Three wishes" is included on this cd as a bonus track. All in all an enjoyable record.
Eugene S. - 05/Feb/2024
Free Form is an album by American trumpeter Donald Byrd featuring Byrd with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Butch Warren, and Billy Higgins recorded in 1961. The Allmusic review by Michael G. Nastos awarded the album 4 stars. I recommend.