Artist: Benjamin Herman, Pierre Christophe, Jos Machtel, Joost van Schaik Dutch saxophone-player and leader of the successful New Cool Collective (Big Band), Benjamin Herman joined forces with French pianist Pierre Christophe to pay Tribute to Jaki Byard:to present the music of this brilliant and original jazz pianist and composer. Since Christophe was in close contact with Jaki Byard - he studied with Byard for four years in New York - the musicians decided to share some interesting inside details about the tunes.These are revealed in the booklet. The Byard material was challenging,powerful and above all,fun to play.The mission of the project was to introduce this great music to a larger audience,for so few people have ever heard it. All 8 songs on the album are written by Jaki Byard except one,which is written by Pierre Christophe. Quotes: "On this CD Herman presents himself mainly as a straight 'bopper',a worthy heir to The Legacy of Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley....."
Pierre Christophe is a brilliant pianist........"
HiFi Video Test (Dutch audio magazine) "Lovers of real jazz can't do without Plays Jaki Byard."
Planet.nl/music Jazz Up "Excellent record by Holland's most flexible alt-saxophonist."
Tubantia (Dutch press)