Byrds of a Feather

Byrds of a Feather brings their distinctive jazzreggae sound to Bird & Beckett, unveiling two new releases that confront the current political moment: Vampire President and Garden of Delights. Saxophonist and vocalist David Byrd leads this all-star quartet through original compositions that forge resistance and offer solutions, blending bebop mastery with reggae's socially conscious tradition.

Byrd pioneered the jazzreggae fusion after studying under Bunky Green at Chicago State University and performing with jazz legends. He founded Byrds of a Feather in 1983, merging vocalese — the vocal jazz tradition invented by Eddie Jefferson and made famous by King Pleasure and Jon Hendricks — with reggae's message-driven groove. His alto saxophone work honors the influences of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Gene Ammons, and Sonny Stitt, infused with a heavy reggae pulse that sets Byrds of a Feather apart.

Keyboardist Eli Goldlink brings his blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and eclectic pop influences, along with his skills on piano and steel drum. Bassist Toho Saunders and drummer Jordan "J Bird" Davis complete the rhythm section, anchoring the quartet's unique sound that honors the great jazz masters while maintaining reggae's forward momentum.

Expect sophisticated original compositions alongside jazz standards reimagined through a reggae lens — music designed to put you in what Byrd calls "the Positive Flow." The band's approach pays massive respect to the bebop and modal jazz tradition while channeling reggae's commitment to love and social consciousness. With two new releases addressing the urgency of the political climate, this performance channels creative resistance into transformative sound.