Kofi, a hidden gem from Donald Byrd, was drawn from sessions in 1969 and 1970 and first released in 1995. It marks Byrd's early shift from a top hard - bop trumpeter to a fusion pioneer. His 1969 album Fancy Free started the move away from pure hard bop, and the Kofi sessions were recorded around his bold fusion album Electric Byrd. In the first session, Byrd's 'Kofi' and 'Fufu' explore new sounds with Duke Pearson's electric piano adding a shimmer under textured arrangements. The lineup features Lew Tabackin, Frank Foster, William Campbell, Ron Carter, Bob Cranshaw, and Airto Moreira. The 1970 session added more vibey originals like 'Perpetual Love' and 'Elmina' with Wally Richardson on guitar and Mickey Roker on drums. This 180g black vinyl is part of Blue Note's Tone Poet audiophile remaster series. It's cut from original tapes, housed in a glossy tip - on gatefold sleeve, and it's back on vinyl for the first time since 2008. Music label: Blue Note Records 2024.
Using this vinyl LP is simple. Just place it on your turntable, gently drop the needle on the start of the record, and enjoy the rich sounds of Donald Byrd. When handling the vinyl, always hold it by the edges to avoid fingerprints and scratches. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping. Clean the record regularly with a soft, anti - static brush to keep the sound quality top - notch. Also, make sure your turntable is properly calibrated for the best listening experience.
