Donald Byrd

THE THING that most interests me with the new wave of Funk-Jazz giants is that they all have a tale of interest to tell. Whereas many soul names can merely relate their early formulative years – frequently in the church and then local little groups – the jazz musicians serve a far sterner apprenticeship. And it's all too often one that takes years of hard work and devotion before any real acknowledgement or accolade is heaped upon them.