Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner - Non Classical Donald Byrd's "Nai Nai"

I didn't see anything here regarding DB's passing recently, so I thought I post this tune I heard tonight on Bruce Lundvall's "Blue Note Hour" on Sirius.

It's "Nai nai", a Byrd original off DB's album "Free Form". Recorded Dec 11, 1961. With Billy Higgins & Butch Warren- a vintage Blue Note rhythm section of that era.

So classic ! It features a 21 yr old Herbie Hancock. He was probably fresh in NYC where DB discovered him in Chicago and brought him to the big time.

Aside from Herbie's great solo check out those choice voicings he used beneath the horns at :39 that compliment the melody so nicely. Also the little Herbieisms he does beneath the melody going out. Jeez how do you get that mature and hip at 21 ?! Man they don't record 'em like this anymore . Wayne Shorter was an old man here at 28 ...

This is so uplifting and joyous music.

oh really ? I had no idea the great Donald Byrd had passed away.
When I was new to jazz, I heard his solo on Lush Life and was blown away at how lyrical bop could be.
His solo here on Nai Nai, a tune I didn't know before, is no exception.

As for Herbie, his solo on Nai Nai is insane.
I've had the pleasure of studying his solo on Seven Steps to Heaven, as suggested by Printer.

Outstanding piece. Herbie's chords sound like Red Garland.
Thanks for posting.