Byrd's 1965 effort for Verve Records, "Up With Donald Byrd," saw the trumpeter exploring a more soul-inflected sound with an expanded ensemble. The album features arrangements by Duke Pearson and notable contributions from the jazz-funk organist Shirley Scott.
- The album was recorded on March 10, 1964, at the Van Gelder Recording Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
- "Up With Donald Byrd" reached number 16 on Billboard's Jazz Albums chart.
- The album's arrangements by Duke Pearson showcase a blend of Byrd's trumpet with lush string orchestrations and a prominent rhythm section.
Donald Byrd was a jazz trumpeter from Detroit, known for his prolific output across hard bop, soul jazz, and fusion. He had already released over a dozen albums for Blue Note Records by 1965, establishing himself as a leading voice in modern jazz.
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