Search - Donald Byrd :: Caricatures

Not Terrible...Not Great

John J. Knapik | Orlando, FL | 05/10/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I love Donald Byrd's output in the 1970's. From "Black Byrd" through "Places and Spaces" he was consistent in delivering compelling crossover music that jazz purists detested. There seems to be a departure on Caricatures from the blaxploitation influence of the aforementioned albums. This CD has an obvious disco influence that makes it seem a little contrived and cheesy at times. I realize that from the mid to late 70's disco had an effect on all genres of music (Kiss-"I was made for loving you", Rolling Stones-"Miss You"..to name a few) but the influence here just doesn't seem to work. The vocals on the album are a little too forced and don't sound free and airy like the vocals on earlier efforts. I can understand why this hasn't been released on CD sooner. If you are a huge Donald Byrd fan - buy it..you may enjoy it. If you are looking for a starting point in his 70's Blue Note output - go with Black Byrd."

Nothing Bad About It

Andre S. Grindle | Brewer Maine | 07/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot understand what the negative reviews about this album are all about.All I know is that to my ears 'Caricatures' SMOKES!!!The groove of "Dance Band" alone,with none other then James Jamerson onboard.Between that and the fact that Harvey Mason and Patrice Rushen this album is filled with crisp jazz-funk that is as the albums before wonderfully produced by the Mizell brothers."Wild Life" and the title cut are equally pounding,taking full advantage of Byrd's energy.The real find here is

"Science Funktion";Patrice throws down some killer electronic synthesizer while Byrd blows some inspired trumpet.A cover of "Dancing In The Street" is the only item on this album I'd describe as disco-ish but the catchy funky pop of "Returning Of The King",the great "Onward Til Morning" and "Tell Me" more then make up for it for the disco phobic. This album,like all of Byrd's 70's era Blue Note recordings is filled with upbeatably catchy hooks that are featured prominantly in the work of people like Madlib.But that shouldn't be the ONLY reason to enjoy this wonderful album!"