What makes Getting Down to Business by Donald Byrd notable?

The album received positive critical reception and is notable for its blending of various genres, which contributed to the broader evolution of jazz in the late 20th century. Its tracks have influenced subsequent generations of musicians exploring the intersections of jazz with funk and soul. Released in 1990, Getting Down to Business marks Donald Byrd's return to recording after a brief hiatus from the music scene. This album reflects his exploration of contemporary sounds while maintaining his foundational jazz roots, positioning it as a significant entry in his discography during a period when he was redefining his artistic direction.

Who is Getting Down to Business for?

Getting Down to Business works well if you're into steady melodic exploration throughout, soulful grooves for relaxation and headphone detail hunting experience.

How many songs are on Getting Down to Business?

Getting Down to Business has 7 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Getting Down to Business

Donald Byrd · 1990

55 min · 7 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and soul, layered with intricate rhythms and expressive melodies that showcase Byrd's virtuosity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Theme for Malcom — This opening track sets the tone for the album, showcasing Byrd's masterful trumpet work intertwined with a compelling groove that invites listeners into the project.
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I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good — Byrd's interpretation of this classic standard reveals his emotional depth, supported by lush arrangements that highlight both the instrumental and vocal elements.
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A Certain Attitude — With its infectious rhythm and melodic hooks, this track encapsulates the album's spirit, emphasizing Byrd's ability to blend traditional jazz with modern sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz with funk and soul, featuring strong musicianship but lacks a cohesive narrative across its tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, rhythmic theme that sets a lively tone, followed by tracks that incorporate varied tempos and intricate arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic exploration throughout
soulful grooves for relaxation
headphone detail hunting experience
vibrant rhythms for uplifting moods

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1990, Getting Down to Business marks Donald Byrd's return to recording after a brief hiatus from the music scene. This album reflects his exploration of contemporary sounds while maintaining his foundational jazz roots, positioning it as a significant entry in his discography during a period when he was redefining his artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors: Herbie Hancock· Roy Ayers· Arturo Sandoval

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Theme for Malcom 7:42
2 That's All There Is to Love 5:44
3 Pomponio 10:20
4 I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good 8:31
5 A Certain Attitude 5:16
6 The Onliest 9:58
7 Around the Corner 8:08

What to play next

Listen next

First Flight

1990

Go back to

Groovin' for Nat

1989

Full Donald Byrd discography Artists like Donald Byrd

funk jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata