LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

How many guitarists can say they jammed with Django Reinhardt, recordedwith Woody Herman, studied with the great Segovia, and with Stan Getz introduced bossa nova to international audiences? The answer is Charlie Byrd(1925-1999), whose musical interests took in virtually every form in which the guitar found a prominent voice. Byrd's mastery of the unamplified instrument (which he at times plugged in) also extended into the realms of blues and folk. Jazz, blues, and folk excursions are on display herein. For this reflective 1965 solo recital Byrd delves deep inside each piece, whether it's a chestnut like "Am I Blue," two numbers co-written by the genius Belgian gypsy guitarist Reinhardt, a pair of Ellington classics, or the venerable folk-blues "House of the Rising Sun." Byrd plays throughout with the kind of warmth, delicacy, and inner-directed swing from which all guitarists can learn--and any listener can appreciate.Am I Blue, Easy Living, House of the Rising Sun, Mood Indigo, You Took Advantage of Me, Li'l Darlin', Tears, Nocturne, Satin Doll, Blue Mobile, Sweet Sue (Just You)