“THE best way I can characterize Donald,” says the trumpeters friend and colleague, Herbie Hancock “is that he thinks forward all the time. You can notice this in his albums, for one example. On each one, he gets into something new. His mind is too quick and his curiosity too active for him to get caught in any single groove.”

Couldn't have said it better my self Mr. Hancock.

Donald Byrd is one of the most important jazz composers ever IMHO his forays into many genres have been pioneering in the way that modern musicians approach and are open to almost all styles. Byrd was not satisfied with the status quo and had a unique voice to offer at a time where the music didn't know where it wanted to go.

This composition is off the fantastic Free Form album, one of my favorite records of his. Great tunes with an even greater band. Herbie and Wayne shine next to Byrd while Butch Warren and Billy Higgins the infallible duo hold it down for them.

French Spice is written by Byrd and is originally inspired for a group of chorus girls in Chicago who used the songs form for interpretative dancing. It's provocative and mysterious, The form allows for growth and self expression while its minor modality gives it a certain edge.

Please enjoy this transcription of another wonderful Donald Byrd tune and let me know what else you want to see or if you enjoy these transcriptions

Peace and Love 

Jake