This is a rare, behind the scenes view of the Eric Byrd Trio making their 2008 CD release, “Brother Ray”. Available at EBT Music & Gear, all legal downloadable sites and www.cdbaby.com

Byrd proves a capable balladeer on “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’” and “You Don’t Know Me.” His piano style is two-fisted and effective. Byrd is not flashy, but proficient in a way that does not tax the jazz novice. Byrd is also quite the blues player, betraying hints of the late Gene Harris on “I Want a Little Girl.” Brother Ray is an enjoyable tribute to the genius of the title. I almost hope that the tributes to Ray Charles stop here. – C. Michael Bailey of All About Jazz