BYRD, DONALD - Byrd In Hand (Sealed) (LP)

Recorded in 1959 at the legendary Van Gelder Studios in Hackensack, New Jersey, this is considered one of Donald Byrd's finest LPs. The then 27 year old trumpeter had many LPs under his belt already, but this was his second on Blue Note, where he would stay for decades and release the best music of his career. Byrd had a fruitful run in the late `50s with the great baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams and here they are joined by long-time Thelonious Monk Quartet tenor-man Charlie Rouse, and a great rhythm section. After a rousing take on Sinatra's "Witchcraft" the record features 3 strong Byrd originals and 2 compositions from the group's pianist, Walter Davis, Jr. A hard bop classic from one of the strongest players of the era.