Jaki Byard with Strings! is an album by pianist Jaki Byard recorded in 1968 and released on the Prestige label.[1] It is a sextet recording, with George Benson (guitar), Ray Nance (violin and vocals), Ron Carter (cello), Richard Davis (double bass), and Alan Dawson (drums and vibraphone).
Jaki Byard with Strings! | ||||
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Studio album by Jaki Byard | ||||
Released | 1968 | |||
Recorded | April 2, 1968 New York City | |||
Genre | Jazz | |||
Label | Prestige PR 7573 | |||
Producer | Don Schlitten | |||
Jaki Byard chronology | ||||
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Critic Gary Giddins commented that, "a few complicated arrangements notwithstanding, this album is mostly an upbeat jam".[2] One of the complicated arrangements was "Cat's Cradle Conference Rag" – each of five musicians "play five standards based on similar harmonies simultaneously".[3] With the drummer added, these were: "Take the A Train" (Byard); "Jersey Bounce" (Nance); "Darktown Strutters' Ball" (Benson); "Intermission Riff" (Davis); "Desafinado" (Carter); and "Ring Dem Bells" (Dawson).[2]
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allmusic awarded the album 4 stars with its review by Scott Yanow, stating, "The repertoire includes a jammed version of "How High the Moon," a couple of tricky Byard originals and the then-current pop tune "Music to Watch Girls By." But more significant than the songs is the playing by the distinctive musicians who almost make the band sound like a regular group rather than a one-time get-together".[4] Giddins was also positive; he picked out Ray Nance's solo on "How High the Moon": it "ranks with the one he recorded on Dizzy Gillespie's "Lover Come Back to Me" as the best work of his later years".[6]
All compositions by Jaki Byard except as indicated