Isaac Byrd Jr.

Taking what he calls an unorthodox approach to the trumpet, Isaac Byrd Jr. plays changes in a unique way and uses his instrument to paint a picture and tell a story. Playing what he has branded as “the sultry trumpet like no other”, the versatile, multi-talented Jacksonville, FL based artist finds a compelling, groove centered and ultra melodic way to chronicle and celebrate Life on his new CD. The collection marks his second recording following his debut album Beginnings released in 2010. Byrd has a wide spectrum of emotions to share, including the joy he’s feeling as a newlywed.
Explaining of the inspiration behind the writing and recording of the twelve tracks of Life, Byrd says, “It’s basically about the changes that go on in life, written from a personal perspective of what I see in the world today, as well as my own personal experiences as I have made transitions through relationships and breakups, and then started over again and at last found fulfillment. It’s about the wild ups and downs, emotionally, economically and in many other ways. While I like the songs on my first album, I had a tendency before to be a little more of a perfectionist and now am more comfortable drawing from my emotions. As people have become more encouraging over the years, I feel I am more comfortable now sharing my gift, and my musical heart and soul with people.”
Byrd brings a rich and dynamic history as a jazz performer to his emergence in the contemporary urban jazz world. While he was influenced by trumpet greats like Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard, he draws his rhythmic flair from the pianists and saxophonists he grew up admiring, from John Coltrane and Charlie Parker to Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau. While attending Florida State College at Jacksonville, he started a band called Project Funk, for which he was the drummer. The group, which toured regionally, had a unique funk-fusion spin on jazz standards. When this ensemble evolved into the more crowd pleasing, pop/R&B oriented Tribe Judah, Byrd chose his other instrument, the trumpet, as his lead voice.
Tribe Judah made a regional name for itself playing live with Keni Myles, PJ Morton and Laura Izibor, and Byrd – who was part of the IAJE All-Star Big Band during college - played on recordings by Lisa McClendon, Leon Timbo and Merlon Devine. He later performed with Bobby Shew, Joe Lovano, Chase Sanborn, Chris Vidale, Jaguar Wright and others. Another highlight was sharing the stage with his trumpet mentor, Teddy Washington. While the trumpet is his voice as an artist, Byrd, a member of the Jacksonville Jazz Society, still plays drums in the worship band at Builders of the Faith Christian Center, a non-denominational church in Jacksonville.

ON STAGE
Years of being a bandleader and renowned sideman have led Byrd to become the powerhouse entertainer he is today, a confident, charismatic solo artist who plays from the heart and uses his instrument to draw listeners into the story. The trumpeter likes to say he “takes the temperature of the room and plays towards that” – which translates to an energetic, highly entertaining live show that involves his audience at every turn. He not only gets the crowd dancing and clapping along with him, he’ll often leave the stage and join them, performing in the crowd and connecting with appreciative fans in a dynamic, intimate way. He’s even started shows blowing his first notes while still in the dressing room and daring the audience to figure out where he’s entering. Byrd will be performing at the world renowned Jacksonville Jazz Festival in 2014.

NOTABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES
Jacksonville Jazz Festival - Jacksonville, FL (headlined)
An evening with Laura Izibor - Jacksonville, FL (opened for Laura Izibor)
Cuba Libre Club - Jacksonville, FL (opened for PJ Morton)
Boomtown Club - Jacksonville, FL (played w/ Jaguar Wright)
IAJE International Jazz Festival - Toronto, Canada (played w/ Chase Sanborn and Chris Vidale)
The Jacksonville Follies Awards - Jacksonville, FL (played w/ Teddy Washington)
FSCJ Jazz Series - Jacksonville, FL (played w/ Joe Lavano)
FSCJ Jazz Concert featuring Bobby Shew - Jacksonville, FL (played w/ Bobby Shew)
Valentines Evening with Keni Myles - Jacksonville, FL (opened & played w/ Keni Myles)
The Hollywood Experience Aaron Bing - Jacksonville, FL (played w/ Aaron Bing)
WABU Radio Artists Series - Port Saint Lucie, FL (headlined)
Randy Gill CD Release Party - Atlanta, GA (opened for Randy Gill)

MUSIC
Truly aiming to take his game to the next level, Byrd - who self- released his debut album Beginnings in 2010 – hooked up with renowned contemporary jazz guitarist Nils to collaborate on composing and to help him learn the fine points of storytelling through instrumental music. Nils, whose trademark hit “Pacific Coast Highway” was the most played song on U.S. and Canadian radio from 2000-2010, helped Byrd with structure, arrangement and production.
In addition to “Meek”, which features Byrd’s whimsical trumpet melody swirling over moody keyboard harmonies, Life features the catchy dance-pop party song “The Come Up” and the title track “Life”, which features members of Tribe Judah and reflects the emotional transitions he has faced in recent years to be able to blossom now as a confident person and performer. Another irresistible track is the coolly soulful “Dreams”, which features Byrd’s sensual muted trumpet melody floating over graceful piano harmonies and an easy grooving percussion line.
Byrd’s eclectic debut album Beginnings has some autobiographical touches. One of the tracks, “Tribe’s Groove”, refers to his previous band (some members of which play on the album), while the closing song marks a “Smooth Transition” from his hardcore fusion days to his current sound.

REVIEWS
“There are many artists in the urban jazz artists who write and perform catchy, perfectly fine songs -- but when asked to explain their inspiration, they can’t articulate a connection to offer any life history or emotional journey. The soulful and versatile Isaac Byrd, Jr. is the opposite, bringing a truly triumphant personal story to the deeply emotional, rhythmically infectious and melodically compelling songs of Life. Though his debut album Beginnings is perfectly enjoyable, it’s impressive that he’s working with one of urban jazz’s top artists, Nils, to help him up his game as an urban jazz artist – and the confidence, excitement and energy shines through. It’s not easy for a musician who used to play heavy fusion to transition to the pocket so easily, but Byrd makes this seem effortless. He is a uniquely gifted artist and performer who, with the right game plan and promotion, could give the Rick Braun’s and Chris Botti's of the world a run for their money.” –Jonathan Widran

“If you call yourself “The Sultry Trumpet Like No Other,” you’d better play some darn good, sexy smooth jazz music. The verdict on Isaac Byrd Jr.: His nickname, happily, is accurate! His first CD, “Beginnings” is beautifully crafted smooth jazz, and the good news is that Byrd is soon to release a new project. So what’s the new project, “Life,” sound like? Well, Byrd’s trumpet playing is even more robust on two advance songs. “Dreams” is a sultry (yes!) ride, with thick drums and bass, and should appeal to Rick Braun fans. And “Meek” is another hit-worthy tune, catchy, brassy, and immediately memorable. We can’t wait for the full CD!” – Brian Soergel