Liner Notes

The date presented Byrd at the helm of what was then the current line-up of The Jazz Messengers with tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley , pianist Horace Silver , bassist Doug Watkins , and drummer Art Blakey . Local Boston area trumpeter Joe Gordon joins the band for some friendly brass sparring with Byrd on several numbers, further adding to the album’s jovial air of a blowing session.

Everyone is in fine form on this 5-song set with Side A consisting of an extended stroll through Watkins’ laid-back original “Doug’s Blues” followed by some inspired trading between Byrd and Gordon on “El Sino.” A beautiful rendition of the ballad “Everything Happens To Me” and two swinging Mobley pieces comprise Side B, bringing this highly-enjoyable date to a close.

Recorded in 1955 for producer Tom Wilson ’s short-lived Boston-based label Transition Records, Byrd’s Eye View was trumpeter Donald Byrd ’s first issued recording as a leader.