Jaki Byard
Piano Solo on
Fuchsia Swing Song

About

Jaki Byard's piano solo is the third and final solo on "Fuchsia Swing Song" from Sam Rivers's 1964 Blue Note debut, following Rivers's tenor saxophone and Tony Williams's drums. He takes six choruses of the 16-bar form at 310 BPM in B-flat, showcasing the encyclopedic stylistic range for which he was renowned. Byard's solo moves fluidly between stride, bebop, and free approaches, his ability to channel the entire history of jazz piano within a single improvisation giving his playing a unique depth and unpredictability. At 41 to 42, his six-chorus statement brings the solo section to a vibrant close.

Jaki Byard was 41 to 42 years old at the time.