Charlie Byrd: Three Songs by Jobim
Jan 1st, 2008 by clarkspicks
Charlie Byrd lived in Annapolis, Maryland, just down the road from me. He is the patron saint of The Mainstay, a small local venue where I sometimes run sound. Here is Charlie playing three tunes by the Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, Corcovado, How Insensitive (Insensataez) and Wave. The person introducing him is jazz guitarist Barney Kessel. Charlie’s brother Joe is in the background playing bass.
Notice the extreme extensions of Charlie’s left hand as plays these tunes. This is not as easy or as comfortable as he makes it look.
Charlie went on a goodwill tour of Brazil in 1961 and brought back some recordings of songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto. With saxophonist Stan Getz, Charlie recorded Jazz Samba and Getz/Giberto, which included the iconic song “The Girl From Ipanema.”
Charlie Byrd passed away in 1999. Joe Byrd is still active in jazz, performing and recording with guitarist Frank Vignola and vibraphonist Chuck Redd.
The album Jazz Samba by Stan Getz with Astrud Gilberto, Charlie Byrd, Keter Betts and Joe Byrd is available on CD.
