Jaki Byard – To Them-To Us

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To Them – To Us is an album of solo piano performances by the American jazz pianist Jaki Byard recorded in 1981 and released on the Italian Soul Note label

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden:
Jaki Byard was captured alone in a Milan studio for this delightful session. As usual, he displays his formidable technique with an ever-present twinkle of humor. Everything from early jazz (“Tin Roof Blues”) to classic renditions of Ellington masterpieces (an introspective “Solitude” and a rollicking “Caravan”) to the surprisingly enjoyable arrangement of the usually saccharine Chuck Mangione hit “Land of Make Believe” is worth repeated hearings. Another surprise is his hilarious but solid reworking of another pop smash, “Ode to Billie Joe.” Several strong Byard originals round out this highly recommended CD (https://www.allmusic.com/album/to-them-to-us-mw0000197520).

Track listing:
All compositions by Jaki Byard except as indicated

“To Them – To Us” – 11:23
“BL + WH = 88” – 3:04
“Tin Roof Blues” (George Brunies, Paul Mares, Ben Pollack, Leon Roppolo, Mel Stitzel) – 3:40
“Land of Make Believe” (Chuck Mangione) – 3:32
“Solitude” (Eddie DeLange, Duke Ellington, Irving Mills) – 4:30
“Caravan” (Juan Tizol) – 3:24
“Ode to Billie Joe” (Bobbi Gentry) – 5:30
“Send One Your Love” (Stevie Wonder) – 4:17
“Excerpts from Trumpet Concerto: Calm of the Sea/Approaching Winds/Calm” – 4:36

Recorded at Barigozzi Studio in Milano, Italy on May 27, 1981

Personnel:
Jaki Byard – piano

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Released: 1981
Recorded: May 27, 1981
Length: 43:56
Label: Soul Note
Producer: Giovanni Bonandrini