Donald Byrd

This Donald Byrd essential from 1963 marries light, but propulsive bop with a wordless gospel choir. Duke Pearson was probably the most underrated talent at the Blue Note label and he wrote that number, arranged the tunes and led the septet that included Byrd, pianist Herbie Hancock, guitarist Kenny Burrell and saxophonist Hank Mobley -- all solo stars in their own right. The results earned the trumpet player a rare thing for modern jazz -- a crossover hit single with the regal "Cristo Redentor." The iconic album cover is as essential as the music.