Jerry Byrd, longtime guitarist for the legendary pianist/vocalist Freddy Cole, has set out on his own to continue his solo career and expand his musical horizons. Jerry's musical talents have taken him around the world, literally, with studio dates and concert appearances with jazz greats such as Roland Kirk, Jack McDuff, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Lonnie Smith, "Slide" Hampton, and Frank Foster, among others. He has credited his longtime friend, the late Wes Montgomery, as his mentor and greatest influence on his playing style. Jazz guitar great George Benson and Jerry have also been friends since their early days in Pittsburgh knocking around at local jam sessions, and their lifelong association can be readily heard in each other's playing.
Hey Jerry! How's it goin? I'm trying to look for work, and I've stumbled upon a bass player named Richard Davis...on the faculty of the UW School of Music...born in Chicago...spent years in New York...perhaps you know him. He's not you, of course, but if you were here we'd have our trio...that is, if he will work with me...I've left him a voicemail...and we'll see! Miss ya, Workin' on the vocals, but it's not the same without you here, Cheers to you, and hope you've been playin' out a bit, Keysha
Man, I think you will find and make a niche because you can really play. The main thing is to have a press kit..a CD /bio, apicture..website. Which you have on myspace. You will have to take charge and get your gigs as a leader. there are opportunities to sit in and meet cats. If you read music to apoint will be helpful. I would say, go for it and just be prepared to have to start lower then you deserve until you work your way up. Ther's simply not enough Black guitarists who can really play. I guess you read/write music. Those would be great assets.See if Herman can hook you upgigs. Many say it's cool but they can't get gigs themselves. they are sidemen. I spend hours making things happen. You neesd a computer especaillay to network. I would think you could fnd an agencyu considering your resume. You have done things that most can only dream about. I guess I can say the same thing. Most of the cats like Herman/James are busy as sidemen. You will have inferior cats to choose from and the changes some of them might put you through ..being late...unprofessional..playing too loud..talkng on cell's while playing....I guess all the things you have already encountered. I still think you should visit to check out for afew weeks. hang with Herman/James ..go to sessions. Again I real busy with my day gig and don't reallly don't have the energy to stress myself that much as before. If I can ever swing it. I'd leave teaching in a heart beat and just play music that I like... Good luck
I had to come back and really listen again. You are a monster player. i sure hope to talk about your experiences with the other masters. You are one also.
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