"A New Prespective" stands out from most other Blue Note releases of the era. A groundbreaking record in its use of a gospel choir in a jazz setting, it's unlike anything Blue Note had released before. In addition to the eight-person choir and arrangements by Duke Pearson, Donald Byrd works with a septet that includes pianist Herbie Hancock, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and saxophonist Hank Mobley.
Pearson contributes two compositions, the easily swinging "Chant" and "Cristo Redentor," a stately, ghostly tune that became a hit on the album's release. In the arrangements, the choir functions as an instrument, with voices closely recorded, making its presence intimate and palpable. The septet performs beautifully, with Burrell's guitar and Donald Best's vibes providing shimmering contrast to the horns on the aforementioned tunes, and on the Byrd originals "Elijah" and "The Black Disciple." Distinctive and inventive, "A New Perspective" is a high watermark in Byrd's discography....
1. Elijah (9:21)
2. Beast of Burden (10:07)
3. Cristo Redentor (5:43)
4. The Black Disciple (8:12)
5. Chant (7:31)
Donald Byrd: trumpet
Hank Mobley: tenor saxophone
Donald Best: vibraphone
Herbie Hancock: piano
Kenny Burrell: guitar
Butch Warren: bass
Lex Humphries: drums
