The Charlie Byrd Quartet: LET GO
(Columbia CS 9869© 1969)

TRACK LISTING
Let Go (Canto de Ossanha) (Gimbel-Powell-DeMoraes)
Medley: Mood Indigo/Satin Doll (Ellington, etc.)
Blues 13 (Charlie Byrd)
Here's That Rainy Day (Burke-Van Heusen)
Esperando O Soul (Albanese-Pereira)
Bird of Paradise (Don Ellis)
How Long Has This Been Going On (Gershwin-Gershwin)
Promises, Promises (Bacharach-David)
Lonely Princess (Henry Mancini)
This Guy's In Love With You (Bacharach-David)

PERSONNEL
Charlie Byrd - guitar; Mario Parpino - flute: Gene Byrd - bass: William Reichenbach - drums

REVIEW
Who knew that Charlie Byrd was an attractive blonde woman? Actually, all of Byrd's Columbia albums from this time period has similar covers—as well as similar programs—in an attempt to sell records (hmm...that doesn't sound like Columbia!). Let Go is one of the better ones since there are a few standards and originals mixed with the "sounds of today" that make up most of side two. Byrd digs into Ellis's "Bird of Paradise," the epic standout of the album, and pulls it off. The band plays another odd time signature piece, Byrd's own "Blues 13" which is...well, a blues in 13. The rest of the album is worthwhile to hear Byrd's attractive playing and impressive technique. The flute adds a nice touch to the Brazilian-tinged material but makes a few songs (especially the pop stuff) sound dated.

I should add that Let Go is a live recording, making the "Bird of Paradise" performance that much more impressive. Bill Keane even mentions Don in the liner, though the bulk of the notes is about Teo Macero and the recording process (Charlie is mentioned once or twice).