Donald Byrd

Blue Note Records proudly unveils a stunning all-analog reissue of Donald Byrd's seminal 1961 hard bop masterpiece, The Cat Walk, as part of its acclaimed Classic Vinyl Series. Scheduled for release on May 15th, 2026, this limited-edition pressing on 180-gram vinyl has been meticulously mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes at Optimal Media studios, delivering unparalleled warmth, depth, and clarity for audiophiles and jazz enthusiasts alike. 

Originally recorded on May 2, 1961, at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, under the production of Alfred Lion, The Cat Walk captures Donald Byrd at the peak of his powers during one of the most fertile periods of his career with Blue Note. The album features Byrd's sleek, lyrical trumpet alongside Pepper Adams' robust baritone sax, Duke Pearson on piano, Laymon Jackson on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums – an all-star quintet that defines quintessential hard bop energy.