Donald Byrd - Fancy Free
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This might be one of the most minimalistic jazz albums with a sizable ensemble behind the booth. Donald Byrd places an offering at the altar of jazz-fusion music, also known as jazz-rock fusion. This is a genre that is as revered as it is despised by jazz cats the world over. .
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I myself do not consider my own tastes in the category of “jazz purist”, and I am drawn to this album. I am more familiar with jazz-fusion in the form of the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s stellar album The Inner Mounting Flame and the live version of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew, both of which are landmark albums in the genre. I only say the statement above because I’ve heard from many of my past jazz professors and private lesson teachers that jazz-fusion is “horrible” or “terrible”, and I always respectfully disagreed. .
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This album takes as much influence from James Brown, Sly and The Family Stone and Earth, Wind and Fire as it does from bebop masters Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins. The sound on this album is organic and also highly intellectual. Makes sense, as Donald Byrd was always looking forward to what was next in the music game. .
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If you think that this album is reminiscent of the smooth sounds of hip-hop, you would be on point. Byrd was a supporter of the rising hip-hop movement to follow a decade after the release of Fancy Free. He played an integral part in the recording of Guru’s Jazzmatazz album series. Songs from Fancy Free are among the most sampled in the history of the genre. Byrd was always one to support hip-hop and sampling culture. In his words, “I knew that something new was getting ready to jump off.”
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What’s your take on this album from listening to the clip provided? Have a good day! 😀✌️❤️
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