The Late Show. Jaki Byard

Jaki Byard

The Late Show

An icon in the history of jazz, Jaki Byard was Art Tatum, Earl Hines, Bud Powell, Cecil Taylor and Bill Evans all rolled up in one. Yet, like these fellow icons, he was his own uncompromising, unique, living entity. Byard isn’t a household name, but most likely his low profile is the result of an irresistible need to constantly reinvent himself, the sure sign of the consummate artist. The Late Show is the third installment of HighNote’s Jaki Byard retrospective. The selections themselves contain a few signature Byard specialities and a couple of songs not currently available by the pianist. HighNote’s collection of beautifully restored tapes leaves us with a rich history of Byard’s music, allowing us to experience the intense struggle of a dedicated artist to keep his essence alive while still making us laugh with him along life’s corridor.

Price: $24.98