Cyril Haynes was a New York pianist who played with Billy Hicks, Al Cooper’s Savoy Sultans, Sidney and Wilbur De Paris, and Roy Eldridge in the late 30s and early 40s before recording four 12″ sides for Comet under his own name as bandleader.
This self-penned tune, “Across the Road” has a catchy head and peppy vibe. Haynes gets some time to showcase his piano chops at the 0:34 mark, followed by an extensive 64 bar solo by tenor sax player Don Byas. Byas – who in 1944 head been playing extensively with the bebop crowd – showcases some of his bop-infused credentials without ever losing the swingin’ feel of this tune.
The extra playing time of a 12″ 78 gives the soloists a chance to spread out – and they take full advantage. Dick Vance takes 32 bars on trumpet, followed by 32 bars of Al Casey on guitar – who was voted best guitarist in Esquire magazine that same year.
All told, it’s a great record full of unsung heroes who deserve to be heard again. Take a listen and see what you think.
Though you can hear the typical Comet graininess due to lower quality WWII-era shellac composition, this copy is in good enough shape that after a while you forget about it.
Recorded in New York City in late 1944.
Released in July, 1945 as Comet T5.
Credits:
Cyril Haynes – director, piano
Don Byas – tenor sax
Dick Vance – trumpet
Al Casey – guitar
John Levy – bass
Harold (Doc) West – drums
Les Schriber – Supervision
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