I've seen both Byrd and Hubbard in the past 5 years. Donald played two nights in a row.....the first night his horn was miked horrible and I sat right in front of it.....could not believe how bad he sounded...was most likely the combination of his playing and the sound. The second night was much, much better.....but he is not the Donald Byrd we would all like to remember. I saw Freddie a few years ago and his playing was not good....and he knows it. He even told me before the show that he shouldn't be playing....this was a show in Indy with may of the guys he grew up with.....Slide, Spaulding, Buddy Montgomery, Billy Wooten, Phil Ranlien (sp), Mel Rhyne and many others. It was a joy to see them all together.....at that time, Ididn't care of Freddie could play or not.....just wanted to photograph this show.....very cool!
I don't think either one of these guys think they are playing like it's the 60s....still it was a joy to catch both of them.
m~