While performing in the Midwest several years ago, Charlie Byrd and “Great Guitar” buddies Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel were invited to the home of an ardent jazz fan. She was excited. Here were three jazz guitar titans sitting in her somewhat sumptuous living room. Choreographed to their arrival was the playing of a tape featuring earlier work of all three. “I thought you might like some special music,” gushed the hostess. “Sure I would,” Byrd quipped, “as long as it’s not mine.” In our media-blitzed environment, loaded with inflated ego and feverish hype, Charlie Byrd is a breath of fresh air. Sure of himself and comfortable in his musical perception, he doesn’t talk great music - he plays it. Which brings us to “THE CHARLIE BYRD TRIO - LIVE INE NEW ORLEANS”. With his brother Joe on bass and Chuck Redd on drums he romps through a comfortable program of chestnuts as well as some beautiful Jobim sambas. Recall that Charlie was one of the early American jazz players to explore Brazilian music. Charlie Byrd visits your living room, but this time he brings his music along. Lucky You. It’s like a visit from an old friend.