David Byrd & Byrds of a Feather

The nucleus of the band consists Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drum, Alto Saxophone and lead male vocalist. The band ranges from 2-10 members , depending on your budget. Additional members can include 1-2 female vocalists, percussion, and full horn section.

The band plays mostly covers, with a few of their most popular originals. This band will definitely inspire the dancers, but also the lovers of quality music.

Some of the artist we cover include Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Bill Withers, Steel Pulse, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Neville Brothers, Luciano,John Coltrane,Lou Rawls, Muddy Waters,Earnest Ranglin, Lee Morgan, Horace Silver,Dr. John,Miles Davis,Undisputed Truth,Carlos Santana, Al Green,Charlie Parker,James Brown,Thelonius Monk, Max Romeo,Louis Jordan,The Friends of Distinction,Duke Ellington,The Persuaders,The Abyssinians,Henry Mancini,Donny Hathaway,Dave Brubeck and many more.

This band has an authentic sound, with interesting arrangements on the classics. Their original music are selections of tried and true crowd pleasing inspirational songs.

We can tailor our music to your event, with emphasis placed on your special requests, and mood music for your event.

You will get a band that looks good, sounds great, and conducts themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Positive Vibrations is our mantra, for life is too short for bad manners and ego trips. We select our musicians with that in mind.

Byrds of a Feather was formed through the musical intersection of jazz, blues, soul and reggae music. Their dynamic stage presence and superb musicianship give a professional sheen to any event they play. You can decide the exact specifications for your event by asking for female vocalist, our world class percussionist or full horn section. The additions will of course add to the bottom line remuneration.

David Byrd was born and raised on the musical mecca of 47th street in Chicago, where his uncle, Red Saunders was the drummer and bandleader at the famous Regal Theatre. On the same block of 47th and Drexel Blvd. where he lived, jazz greats like Gene Ammons played at the Southerland hotel. Mr. Byrd went to the jam sessions that were hosted by Sonny Stitt at the Grass Hut on 79th street and then enrolled in Chicago State University to study under the great Bunky Green, forming a jazz band and specializing in a jazz vocal tradition called "vocalese" which originated with Eddie Jefferson.He played sax on the reggae circuit behind Ken Booth, Dennis Brown, Yellowman and other reggae greats.He has also played the Chicago blues circuit, and has been on tours with Little Milton and many other blues greats. He has carved out a unique musical niche with the combination of jazz, blues, soul and reggae , forming "Byrds of a Feather', and spreading his message of love.

Since moving to the Bay Area , Byrds of a Feather have played many well know venues such as The Cliffhouse, The Boom Boom Room, Jupiter, The Golden Gate Bandshell, Curio and many more venues and festivals.

These Byrd of a Feather flock together in consciousness. All-star musicians that have forged a unique and authentic sound over 30 years and six cd releases. They have carved out this unique sound by building meaningful bridges between jazz, blues, soul and reggae ; with conscious words and wicked rhythms that makes people’s bodies move to the beat. Original music for the positive mind, it is a life affirming journey to your sacred space. Hardbop Jazz meets mystical reggae in a back alley Chicago blues street and gave birth to this musical hybrid . This music inspires the Massive to dance, and sweat; but never forget their crucial sound. Unique and authentic music that inspires and uplifts.

Byrds of a Feather was formed through the musical intersection of jazz,blues,soul and reggae, and started out with the Joe Thomas on bass, Hamid Drake on drums, John Markiss on guitar, Ray Thomas on trombone and David Byrd on sax and vocals, but did not record any music until 1992. They then released critically acclaimed cd's in 92, 94, 96, 99, 2005 and 2012. The band has included great all-star musicians such as drummer Hamid Drake on the first four recordings, and Toby Williams(Curtiss Mayfield) on the last two, Guitarists Daryl Thompson( Black Uhuru) Abdul Hakim (Herbie Hancock) Pete Cosey (Miles Davis)John Makiss, Ron Prince (Donald Kinsey)and especially Alan Burroughs(Miles Davis). Bassist Smoking Joe Thomas (Peter Tosh)Will Howard and Hurricane. Trumpeters Phillip Perkins, David Spencer and Michael Mossman (Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers)Trombonist Ray Thomas and Bill McFarland, Keyboardist Peter Z and Bethany Pickens, Percussionist Kevin Patrick and Paul Cotton, Saxophonist Doug Richardson (Rahsaan Roland Kirk)and David Byrd, and vocalists Pamela Fernandez, Stevie Robinson, Cheryl Wilson, Robin Robinson, Squeeky, Janvier Jones, Alan Burroughs, Kevin Patrick and David Byrd. These great musicians all helped in our development, but the Chicago nucleus members are Joe Thomas on bass,Alan Burroughs on Guitar,David Byrd on alto sax, Toby Williams on drums, Kevin Patrick on percussion and drums, and Pamela Fernandez, Alan Burroughs, Joe Thomas, Kevin Patrick and David Byrd on vocals. The band has played venues across the country such as Mississippi nights in St. Louis, Tobacco Road in Miami, Tipatina's in New Orleans, Club Lingerie in LA and the Wild Hare in Chicago to name a few. Highly original and entertaining, they will take you on a musical journey through their deep catalog of originals, and unique arrangements on covers.

The Bay Area version of Byrds of a Feather features top ranking bay area musicians, and have recorded new music in San Francisco and their home in Oakland. Their many west coast performances ensures quality, and a commitment to musical excellence.