Jazz Archives

Kofi was extracted from some of last Blue Note sessions of the 1960s before Byrd's ventures into soul fusion territory. The playing here is no less than stellar, with seasoned veterans such as Ron Carter and Airto Moreira giving Byrd more than ample support to stretch out and soulfully foreshadow elements of future recordings. Lew Tabackin easily shares the spotlight with his beautiful flute passages on the title track, while Frank Foster and the rest of the supporting group complement Byrd's playing with a grace that emulates the early chemistry between the early Miles Davis groups of the early '60s. The subtle relaxed tones of this album make it truly one of the essential releases in Byrd's catalog, not only from a historical standpoint (his future collaborations with the Mizell brothers would take him to an entirely different plane of thought), but from a casual listening standpoint as well.

:::Review by Rob Theakston:::

Donald Byrd - Kofi (1969)

1. Kofi 9:30
2. Fufu 9:45
3. Perpetual Love 8:00
4. Elmina 8:30
5. The Loud Minority 10:00

Credits
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Mickey Roker
Drums, Percussion – Airto

Electric Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Electric Piano – Duke Pearson
Flute, Saxophone [Tenor] – Lew Tabackin
Guitar – Wally Richardson
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Saxophone [Tenor] – Frank Foster
Trombone – Bill Campbell
Trumpet – Donald Byrd