Chris Byars - Boptics

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2024
Time: 62:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 144,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:56) 1. Bophthalmology
(6:35) 2. Melatonin'
(6:03) 3. Minor Boptics
(7:21) 4. 3 D Flat
(6:33) 5. eKat
(5:04) 6. Endure And Remain
(5:31) 7. Look Ahead
(7:01) 8. Clementsy
(7:29) 9. Emily Reno
(5:11) 10. Times Square Lights

Chris Byars was born Christopher Lawrence Byars in 1970 in New York City to musical parents Janita Byars (First Clarinet, American Symphony Orchestra) and James Byars (Oboe/English Horn, New York City Ballet Orchestra). In 1983, he adopted jazz as a musical departure from an early career as an opera singer, during which he performed dozens of productions for The New York City Opera and The Metropolitan Opera, including many high-pressure solo roles.

Byars earned Bachelor of Music (1990) and Master of Music (jazz studies, performance, 1992) degrees from Manhattan School of Music. Over the course of five decades, Byars has participated in musical productions from behind the scenes, as a sideman, as a leader, as a traveling artist, conductor, educator, arranger, and composer. Byars has traveled to 55 countries representing the Unites States as a Cultural Envoy for music outreach programmed by US Embassies. Chris co-directed recurrent outreach programs in Syria and in Cyprus, with the purpose of healing divisions and building goodwill towards the United States.

Byars has carefully balanced attention between works of the past and present. Performing with the quintet Across 7 Street in the 1990s, he regularly premiered new compositions while appearing steadily on Sundaynights at Smalls Jazz Club. Byars has composed five extended works as suites (several movements each), addressing local geographies, musical depictions of biographies, and visual art. The current working band is titled Chris Byars Original Sextet which denotes a departure from material written by others. One decade previous, Byars transcribed, arranged, performed, and recorded tributes to jazz greats Teddy Charles, Freddie Redd, Gigi Gryce, Lucky Thompson, Duke Jordan, Frank Strozier, and Jimmy Cleveland.

When possible, these subjects or their families were included as performers or listeners. During the pandemic, Byars continued to arrange and compose, writing Birdography for the NDR Big Band (Hamburg, Germany) and original material for an upcoming 2023 Steeplechase Records release entitled Look Ahead, Byars sought economic refuge within the sphere of civic service, personally interviewing and assisting over 10,000 citizens as a bilingual Contact Tracer for New York City, canvassing the Bronx as a Field Enumerator for the 2020 Decennial Census, and serving as a Spanish Interpreter of NYC Board of Elections.

In May 2022, his CD entitled Rhythm and Blues of the 20s was released for Steeplechase, featuring new original compositions and arrangements for the Chris Byars Original Sextet.
https://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/artist/chris-byars

Personnel: Chris Byars(tenor saxophone), Zaid Nasser(alto saxophone), Stefano Doglioni(bass clarinet), John Mosca(trombone), Ari Roland(bass), Keith Balla (drums)

Chris Byars - Look Ahead

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:42
Size: 143,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:56) 1. Times Square Lights
(6:35) 2. Melatonin'
(6:04) 3. Look Ahead
(5:47) 4. Endure And Remain
(5:39) 5. Bophthalmology
(6:36) 6. Little Quito
(5:51) 7. 3D Flat
(5:45) 8. Four For Plov
(4:54) 9. Blessings For Giacomo
(7:29) 10. This Account Is Private

The tenor of Chris Byars is nicely paired with the guitar of Pasquale Grasso here in an album without any piano at all, which allows for even more freeplay between the two instruments! Things still swing nicely thanks to the work of Ari Roland on bass and Keith Balla on drums but Byars also penned some great original material that really fits the open spirit of the record at a level that showcases the strong sense of color that Grasso has on his guitar, and that lean, almost raspy tone that can make Chris a very distinct player on tenor. Titles include "Little Quito", "3D Flat", "Times Square Lights", "Melatonin", "Blessings For Giacomo", and "This Account Is Private".
© 1996-2023, Dusty Groove, Inc.https://www.dustygroove.com/item/141224/Chris-Byars:Look-Ahead

Personnel: Chris Byars - (tenor saxophone); Pasquale Grasso - (guitar); Ari Roland - (bass); Keith Balla - (drums)

Look Ahead

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Chris Byars - The Music Of Duke Jordan

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:46
Size: 154,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:07) 1. Jordanish
(7:15) 2. Undecided Lady
(6:54) 3. There's A Star For You
(5:22) 4. If I Did - Would You
(5:24) 5. The Bullet (Shinkansen)
(3:05) 6. Gabrielle's Wish
(4:07) 7. Lesson In Love
(6:32) 8. Paula
(9:07) 9. Glad I Met Pat
(6:41) 10. Sultry Eve
(6:07) 11. Table Chess

Award-winning saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator Chris Byars, explores the music of another bebop great, this time pianist Duke Jordan.

Apart from his focus on composing his own music, Chris Bryars has been highly interested in studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. His endeavour has so far culminated in 'Blue Lights - The Music of Gigi Gryce' (SCCD31662), 'Lucky Strikes Again - The Chris Bryars Octet Plays the Music of Lucky Thompson' (SCCD31713) and his exploration of the music of Freddie Redd on 'Music Forever' (SCCD 31743). Now to add to this impressive list Chris Byars compiled eleven gems from the book of Duke Jordan (1922 - 2006), who was one of the early and most original bebop pianists. Israeli-born singer Yaala Ballin wrote lyrics and sang two of the Jordan melodies ("Sultry Eve" and "Lesson in Love").

Personnel: Chris Byars (alto saxophone), Stefano Doglioni (bass clarinet), John Mosca (trombone), Pasquale Grasso (guitar), Ari Roland (bass), Stefan Schatz (drums), Yaala Ballin (vocal - 4 & 7) and others

The Music Of Duke Jordan

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Chris Byars - Two Fives

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:01
Size: 152,4 MB
Art: Front

( 5:15)  1. Little India
( 5:02)  2. Taxi Bird
( 4:45)  3. Express
( 8:03)  4. Hello Pork Pie Hat
( 5:47)  5. Berk-Bop
( 8:07)  6. Danny Boy
(10:30)  7. Seabreeze
( 5:20)  8. Soultrane
( 6:15)  9. Lady Linda
( 6:52) 10. Crazeology

A lyrically swinging set from alto saxophonist Chris Byars one that often has his own instrument balanced alongside colorful tones from the guitar of Pasquale Grasso in a way that's angular, but always easygoing! 

The blend is very nice and augmented with additional bass clarinet from Stefano Doglioni and trombone from John Mosca both of whom can come together with ensemble performances that, with a nice bottom sound, often make the album feel richer than the number of players on the date and at other times, they step out singly, but with a tonal range that separates them a bit from the union of Byars and Grasso. The rest of the group features Ari Roland on bass and Stefan Schatz on drums and titles include "Little India", "Taxi Bird", "Seabreeze", "Berk Bop", "Hello Pork Pie Hat", and "Lady Linda". © 1996-2016, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/770016

Personnel:  Chris Byars (alto saxophone) , Stefano Doglioni (bass clarinet) , John Mosca (trombone) , Pasquale Grasso (guitar) , Ari Roland (bass) , Stefan Schatz (drums)

Two Fives

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Chris Byars - On the Shoulders of Giants

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2020
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:53
Size: 149,4 MB
Art: Front

( 6:10) 1. Big Red
( 4:34) 2. Keeper
( 7:18) 3. Closer
(10:19) 4. Nashville
( 6:15) 5. Arizona
( 5:54) 6. Philadelphia
(10:09) 7. Ste. Phanourios
( 8:46) 8. Third Culture Kid
( 5:25) 9. Moscow

Saxophonist Chris Byars always has a great way of putting together a set of horn players and here, his tenor is matched with alto from Zaid Nasser, bass clarinet from Stefano Doglioni, and trombone from John Mosca all given piano-less accompaniment from the duo of Ari Roland on bass and Phil Stewart on drums! At some level, the music maybe echoes specific 50s modern modes some west coast, some Gerry Mulligan styles but there's also a much more contemporary vibe to the recording, one that comes partly from the mostly original material by the leader. The tunes bristle with a nice assortment of colors, and never overstate their inventiveness and titles include "Nashville", "Arizona", "Keeper", "Moscow", "Third Culture Kid", and "Philadelphia". © 1996-2022, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/947779/Chris-Byars:On-The-Shoulders-Of-Giants

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Chris Byars; Alto Saxophone – Zaid Nasser; Bass – Ari Roland; Bass Clarinet – Stefano Doglioni; Drums – Phil Stewart; Trombone – John Mosca

On the Shoulders of Giants

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Chris Byars - A Hundred Years from Today

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:25
Size: 149,0 MB
Art: Front

(8:14)  1. Intention
(5:16)  2. A Hundred Years from Today
(6:08)  3. San Juan Hill
(5:24)  4. Money Can't Buy
(7:40)  5. All the Things Are Redd
(5:48)  6. Lovelace
(5:21)  7. Elevated Tracks
(5:27)  8. Flight
(5:52)  9. Incognito
(9:11) 10. Mountain Top

Intentional or not, it’s a sobering thought experiment considering the current state of regional, national, and global affairs: Will the humans still inhabiting the planet a century hence be living in an egalitarian ecotopia or a desiccated totalitarian wasteland? Very probably the answer is something in-between those extremes. A Hundred Years from Today is also the title of saxophonist/composer Chris Byars’ latest Steeplechase venture (his tenth) and a hoary Victor Young show tune first published in 1933. Byars knows his jazz history better than most and the session is interspersed with all sorts of underlying meaning throughout the nine inventively arranged originals that join the Young-scripted heirloom. The date differs from Byars past projects as well in terms of personnel. Contractual conflicts precluded guitarist and band regular Pasquale Grasso from taking part, so the leader retooled the tunes to compensate for his chordal absence. Reduced to a sextet, the group still has a broad and varied sound forwarded by the returning horns of trombonist John Mosca, altoist Zaid Nasser, and bass clarinetist Stefano Doglioni. Bassist Ari Roland and drummer Phil Stewart are both first call prospects when a Byars date comes up as well and neither man disappoints in his appointed role. Byars fields tenor for the duration, but his charts are just as likely to tap his colleagues for solo honors as the brisk Lucky Thompson-dedicated “Intention” makes conclusively clear through salvos from everyone. Other tunes carry different dedicatees. 

“San Juan Hill” doffs figurative beret to Monk in honoring the pianist’s native neighborhood through an intricate 34-bar architecture. Stewart is particularly prominent here, bridging gaps with crisp fills and keeping a cantilevering time. “Money Can’t Buy” honors Tadd Dameron in another 34-bar circuit this time grafted to a ballad tempo and another string of concise solos with Nasser’s piquant alto constructions the standout. “All the Things are Redd” reveals both its honoree (Freddie Redd) and its chordal sourcing (“All the Things You Are”) in a single titular swoop and benefits from another nimble exchange of fours between drummer and horns. Byars’ many years as a fixture at Smalls, a Greenwich Village jazz club, brought him into direct contact with a handful of criminally-unsung first generation hard-boppers. Answering to the first name Jimmy, “Lovelace” was one of the most demanding and dedicated among them. The piece borrows from the bebop staple “Tune Up” and honors the late drummer through a rapid-fire exchange of solo statements anchored by Stewart’s blurred sticks. Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Gigi Gryce, and Dizzy Gillespie earn honorifics through subsequent tracks capping with the cerulean-hued “Mountain Top” where Byars’ once again tests his bandmates’ mettle on an obstacle course sprint peppered with incisive solos. Conditions a century from now remain far from certain, but there’s both certainty and quality to be had herein. ~ Derek Taylor https://dustedmagazine.tumblr.com/post/185108605202/chris-byars-a-hundred-years-from-today

Personnel: Chris Byars (tenor saxophone), John Mosca (trombone), Zaid Nasser (alto saxophone), Stefano Doglioni (bass clarinet), Ari Roland (bass), Phil Stewart (drums)

A Hundred Years from Today

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Chris Byars - The Music of Frank Strozier

Styles: Saxophone And Flute Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:53
Size: 160,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:33)  1. Extension 27
(7:07)  2. Neicy
(6:43)  3. Remember Me
(4:39)  4. Idle One
(7:25)  5. For Chris
(9:52)  6. Long Night
(6:53)  7. Just Think It Over
(6:48)  8. Some Other Time
(4:01)  9. Ollie
(7:48) 10. Will I Forget

Alto saxophonist Frank Strozier’s music is dyed-in-the-wool hard bop how could late-’50s jazz from blues-and-gospel Memphis be anything else? As such, it’s a bit jarring to hear his compositions juxtaposed with Chris Byars’ classically informed arrangements. Trombone, bass clarinet, oboe and guitar assail the material on The Music of Frank Strozier, along with Byars’ alto and flute. But the hybrid works. Byars simultaneously softens the edges of Strozier’s tunes, then sharpens them again. On the opening “Extension 27,” Pasquale Grasso’s guitar acts as a sedative, the charming bed of chords sounding much like a soft-touch piano against Stefan Schatz’s brushwork and in Grasso’s delicately constructed solo. But on top, Byars, with a salt-and-vinegar sound in his alto, and trombonist John Mosca attack with adrenaline, and Stefano Doglioni applies a coarse edge with his bass clarinet. James Byars’ oboe leavens “Remember Me” simply by virtue of being an oboe but then Doglioni and Mosca pull the tune into swing so determined it approaches grimness. By the time of “Long Night” and “Ollie,” these orchestral textures sound like they were made to play the blues. “Ollie,” a ballad, is really Byars’ alto feature, and he hits it hard. Still, Grasso’s accompaniment reeks of bent notes and bluesy substitutions, and the horns squeeze together in soulful pathos, Mosca especially shining. As might be expected, the mellower qualities do hold sway when Byars picks up the flute. Yet he has a light prance of an approach to the instrument, so that even as he gives a softer side to “Neicy” or the rhumba “For Chris,” Byars kicks up the tune’s rhythmic side as well. That’s an impressive balance, and a masterful one. ~ Michael J. West https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/chris-byars-music-frank-strozier-steeplechase/

Personnel:  CHRIS BYARS alto saxophone, flute; JOHN MOSCA trombone; STEFANO DOGLIONI bass clarinet; JAMES BYARS oboe; PASQUALE GRASSO guitar; ARI ROLAND bass; STEFAN SCHATZ drums

The Music of Frank Strozier

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Chris Byars - New York City Jazz

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:45
Size: 148,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. Transfiguration
(8:10)  2. Quick Turnaround
(6:01)  3. Dawn in the City
(8:12)  4. Hot Dog
(6:48)  5. No Message
(9:08)  6. Chess
(5:13)  7. Bridge of Locks
(5:50)  8. The General's Song
(9:21)  9. B.G.'s Holiday

Chris Byars, the award winning alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, jazz historian and a 100% native New Yorker set out to "curate the state of jazz to create a sort of time capsule" for this album. What Byars successfully presents here is the genuine creative aspiration that prevails in world's most diverse and competitive artistic environment.

"Chris Byars has done a remarkable job reviving these neglected compositions of Frank Strozier while also putting his own stamp on them with his inventive arrangements." - Ken Dryden, New York City Jazz on (SCCD31824 'The Music of Frank Strozier')

Personnel:  Chris Byars alto saxophone, Flute;  John Mosca trombone;  Stefano Doglioni bass clarinet;  Pasquale Grasso guitar;  Ari Roland bass;  Stefan Schatz drums

New York City Jazz

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Chris Byars Octet - Night Owls

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:39
Size: 139,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:07)  1. All or Nothing at All
(4:54)  2. Inevitable
(5:15)  3. Gnid
(4:30)  4. Manhattan Valley
(6:41)  5. In Da Funhouse
(5:14)  6. Blue Gardenia
(4:45)  7. Night Owls
(3:12)  8. Way You Look Tonight
(4:04)  9. Nancy
(4:53) 10. Conception
(5:39) 11. Village Beauty
(5:21) 12. Let's Kiss and Make Up

What a delightful octet Chris Byars has put together in New York. Its straight-ahead design means that everyone has an influential voice for every performance, soloing frequently. Each artist is a standout soloist as well as a contributor for the group's cohesive voice. Band arrangements can make the difference between a so-so rehearsal band and a memorable unit. Byars' octet benefits both from superb arranging and excellent soloing. Along with voicing that introduces creative harmony and a seamless drive, the octet's positive attitude emits intuitive sparks. Trombonist John Mosca delivers melodic spears that sail linearly through the night, while pianist Sacha Perry pursues Monk-like twists and turns. Baritone saxophonist Mark Lopeman saunters gracefully with a forceful bottom punch, while trumpeter Richie Vitale soars high on a mellow cloud. "Blue Gardenia" features piano in a warm recollection of jazz's harmonic invention. The arrangement holds several pleasant surprises. "All or Nothing at All" features Byars' tenor in a spirited, passionately driving solo section. His fluid approach and boundless energy prove inspiring. "Night Owls" features bassist Neal Miner and saxophonist Lopeman in a thrilling romp that sums up the band's straight-ahead character through new compositions. This piece and four others come from the pens of band members. "The Way You Look Tonight" drives at blazing speed with brief solo stretches from everyone. It's quite a treat. The program brings timeless mainstream jazz to the forum, with fresh ideas to season the recipe just right.~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/night-owls-chris-byars-smalls-records-review-by-jim-santella.php


Personnel: Chris Byars: tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet; Gary Pribek: alto saxophone, flute; Mark Lopeman: baritone saxophone; John Mosca: trombone; Richie Vitale: trumpet, flugelhorn; Sacha Perry: piano; Neal Miner: bass; Andy Watson: drums.

Night Owls

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Chris Byars - Jazz Pictures At An Exhibition Of Himalayan Art

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:51
Size: 153.0 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[ 7:39] 1. The Better To See You
[11:05] 2. Tonpa Shenrab
[ 5:29] 3. Blues Under The Boddhi Tree
[ 9:21] 4. Buddha Shakyamuni
[ 7:01] 5. Arhat
[ 8:39] 6. Chakrasamvara
[ 5:55] 7. Rahula
[ 4:42] 8. Just Ask
[ 6:54] 9. Whispered Tradition

The musicians might be based in New York and this recording was made in 2007 rather than 1952, but the results sound a lot like West Coast jazz of the 1950s. Saxophonist Chris Byars has made a local name for himself in New York by specializing in reviving jazz from the '50s, leading tributes at Small's to the music of Lucky Thompson, Gigi Gryce, and Jimmy Cleveland. Jazz Pictures at an Exhibition of Himalayan Art has an exotic title and the song titles are unusual. Each piece is tied to a specific painting at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York. Most of the selections feature Byars' pianoless quartet, with the leader and trombonist John Mosca engaging in spirited interplay while bassist Ari Roland and drummer Stefan Schatz keep their support swinging. That music is in the spirit of the Gerry Mulligan-Bob Brookmeyer Quartet, despite all of the selections being originals by Byars. However a few numbers add James Byars on oboe and English horn, recalling some of the Third Stream "experiments" of the '50s, including pieces that do not utilize the rhythm section at all and are as close to classical music as to bop. All in all, this is an intriguing set that builds on styles and ideas of the past, some of which were discarded a half-century ago. ~Scott Yanow

Jazz Pictures At An Exhibition Of Himalayan Art mc
Jazz Pictures At An Exhibition Of Himalayan Art zippy

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Chris Byars - Jasmine Flower

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 2013
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 64:24
Size: 103,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:56)  1. Shhh... It's A Library
(5:16)  2. Say you'll stay
(7:00)  3. Mustang
(6:36)  4. I Know It's You
(6:16)  5. Jasmine Flower (MO Li Hua)
(7:29)  6. Lucky Swing
(6:39)  7. The Wind On The Bridge
(7:21)  8. Rose Water
(4:35)  9. Bye, Sandy
(6:12) 10. Song From Morocco

Chris Byars is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, bandleader, conductor and educator based in New York City. He divides his artistic focus between development of original material and studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. Chris plays alto, tenor and soprano saxophones, flute and clarinet. He performs with his band, which ranges from trio to octet, and as a sideman. Chris is also available to lead big bands and conduct full orchestras. For over two decades, he has been a staple of the New York City jazz scene, performing at the city's finest venues, including the Village Vanguard, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Birdland, Smalls, Mezzrow, The Jazz Gallery and Iridium. Chris is an innovative and prolific composer. He has written for ensembles of all sizes, from trio to full orchestra. His twelfth commercially-released CD as a leader, The Music of Frank Strozier, is slated for release in January 2017. Chris is also an original and elegant arranger. He has been commissioned by the WDR Big Band to arrange a centennial celebration concert of Thelonious Monk’s compositions, to be performed in March 2017. As a Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. State Department, Chris has traveled to over 50 countries to perform concerts and present educational workshops. Chris is an enthusiastic jazz educator. He teaches in affiliation with The New School and also privately, through his own studio or via Skype. He conducts jazz clinics at colleges throughout the U.S., such as The School for International Teaching in Brattleboro, VT. http://www.chrisbyars.net/bio/

Personnel:  Chris Byars, alto sax;  Stefano Doglioni, bass clarinet;  Johm Mosca, trombone;  Ari Roland, bass;  Phil Stewart, drums;  James Byars, english horn (1,2,3,6,9);  Mine Sadrazam, piano (5)

Jasmine Flower

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Chris Byars Octet - Music Forever

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:37
Size: 125,3 MB
Art: Front

(8:25)  1. Somewhere/Music Forever
(7:59)  2. Minor Interlude
(8:04)  3. Time to Smile
(4:45)  4. Just A Ballad For My Baby
(8:11)  5. Emily Reno
(9:01)  6. Old Spice
(8:09)  7. The Thespian

Chris Byars has enjoyed exploring great jazz compositions that have been overlooked by other bandleaders. He found a mother lode by undertaking a CD of material by pianist Freddie Redd, who had a flurry of activity as a recording artist from the mid-'50s to the mid-'60s, before leaving for Europe and only sporadically recording since then. The tenor saxophonist arranged eight of Redd's compositions for his octet, a strong group including trumpeter Scott Wendholt, trombonist John Mosca, alto saxophonist Zaid Nasser and baritone saxophonist Mark Lopeman, with pianist Sacha Perry, bassist Ari Roland, and drummer Stefan Schatz making up the rhythm section. Byars fleshes out Redd's music with thoughtful, lively arrangements, while the solos are short and passed quickly from one player to the next and the ensembles are tight. The snappy "Minor Interlude" moves at a brisk clip, with potent solos by the brass and reed players, along with Ari Roland's Paul Chambers-like arco bass. The jaunty "Time to Smile" deserved to become a hard bop staple, and Byars' harmonically rich arrangement adds to its luster. "Emily Reno" is a lesser-known Redd piece from the 1970s, showcasing Perry's potent bop chops and Mosca's robust trombone. With so many players striving to make a splash with CDs full of originals, it is refreshing to see musicians like Chris Byars who enjoy delving for buried treasures from throughout the history of jazz. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/music-forever-mw0002399341

Personnel: Zaid Nasser (alto saxophone); Chris Byars (tenor saxophone); Mark Lopeman (baritone saxophone); Scott Wendholt (trumpet); John Mosca (trombone); Sacha Perry (piano); Stefan Schatz (drums).

Music Forever

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Chris Byars Octet - Lucky Strikes Again: Plays The Music Of Lucky Thompson

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 62:41
Size: 117,2 MB
Art: Front

(1:30)  1. Theme
(5:39)  2. Munsoon
(6:46)  3. Old Reliable
(4:59)  4. Passionately You
(4:27)  5. Tiptop
(4:02)  6. Fanfare
(6:09)  7. Minik Koosh
(3:48)  8. Notorious Love
(5:48)  9. Another Whirl
(3:51) 10. Could I Meet You Later
(3:41) 11. Just One More Chance
(4:25) 12. Two Steps Out
(7:30) 13. Down The Stretch

If a theorem states: "three harmonizing saxophones create compelling, rich, sonic textures," then the proof is the Chris Byars Octet's homage to saxophonist Lucky Thompson, Lucky Strikes Again. Lucky Thompson (1924-2005) is primarily remembered as a bebop saxophonist, but he was also a fine and underrated composer, leading small and mid-sized bands. Byars has collected ten of Thompson's compositions using the same small big band instrumental mix: three sax's, two brass, and the rhythm section. The instrumental mix is crucial to the sound of this album, which is defined by the harmonics of that three-sax frontline. The greatest challenge to performing this music was the lack of written scores. To recreate them, Byars resorted to transcribing fifty-year-old NDR radio broadcast tapes. According to Byars' liner notes, "When you transcribe like that it is the most sincere form of listening and learning experience because you are in the chair of the composer and you can see and understand the decisions he made in slow motion."  The transcription effort pays off with a jumping set highlighting powerful, complex harmonies. "Could I Meet You Later" uses the full instrumentation to build the melody, and then applies it as background for the reed solos. The beauty of the horns isn't simply the harmonies, but the way those harmonies are staggered, building into chords in rolling sequences.  There is plenty of room for the individuals to shine here as well. Byars' work on both tenor and soprano saxophone is faultless, and Mark Lopeman's baritone is a double threat a standout soloist, he also anchors the reed section with rock-solid bass weight.  Lucky Strikes Again coaxes a huge sound out of five horns, a credit to the quality of the arrangements. They're musically expansive, getting the most out of the instruments at hand, but are also compact and well-organized, with only one running more than seven minutes. Byars has put together a set of concise, rewarding tracks with a band that turns in a terrific performance of outstanding material. ~ Greg Simmons https://www.allaboutjazz.com/lucky-strikes-again-steeplechase-records-review-by-greg-simmons.php

Personnel: Chris Byars: tenor and soprano saxophone; Scott Wendholt: trumpet; John Mosca: trombone; Zaid Nasser: alto saxophone; Mark Lopeman: baritone saxophone; Sacha Perry: piano; Ari Roland: bass; Stefan Schatz: drums.

Lucky Strikes Again: Plays The Music Of Lucky Thompson

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Chris Byars - Photos in Black, White and Gray

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:13
Size: 138,2 MB
Art: Front

(8:05)  1. Aquarian Epoch
(7:27)  2. Milton
(7:14)  3. Safe at Home
(9:30)  4. Acoustic Phenomenon
(7:51)  5. Manhattan Valley
(6:48)  6. Cliff Diving
(6:40)  7. Riddle of the Sphinx
(6:35)  8. A.T.

Saxophonist Chris Byars has made a name for himself as one of many promising neo-bop musicians who perform on a regular basis at Smalls in New York City, while also appearing on a number of CDs (as either a sideman or leader) issued by the Smalls label. He has played since the age of seven and earned a Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music at the age of twenty. For his third date as a leader, Byars is joined by several of the label's regulars, including pianist Sacha Perry, bassist Ari Roland and drummer Andy Watson. A talented player, Byars is clearly finding his own voice on each of his three instruments (alto, tenor and soprano sax) and his program of originals is well-paced with a fair amount of variety. He shows a bit of playfulness in "Aquarian Epoch," while the brisk samba "Manhattan Valley" is another obvious highlight. Byars' robust tenor is on display in the pulsating piano-less setting of "A. T." (dedicated to the late drummer Art Taylor). He then switches to soprano sax for the enticing ballad "Safe at Home." Perry, who studied with Barry Harris, is a solid bop pianist who pushes the leader with his driving accompaniment. Roland provides a firm foundation, his arco bass technique inviting comparison to recorded Paul Chambers. Watson is a refreshingly restrained drummer who effortlessly keeps a strong beat, though he is no slouch when he takes the opportunity to solo in "A. T.."~ Ken Dryden https://www.allaboutjazz.com/photos-in-black-white-and-gray-chris-byars-smalls-records-review-by-ken-dryden.php
 

Personnel: Chris Byars: alto, tenor and soprano saxophones; Sacha Perry: piano; Ari Roland: bass; Andy Watson: drums.

Photos in Black, White and Gray

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Chris Byars - Blue Lights

Styles: Flute And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 61:27
Size: 113,0 MB
Art: Front

( 7:04)  1. Luck Swing
( 6:17)  2. Sans Souci
(10:47)  3. Al-Ghashiyah
( 6:52)  4. The Infant Song
( 8:16)  5. Baba's Blues
( 8:09)  6. Shabozz
( 7:07)  7. Blue Lights
( 6:52)  8. Anne Marie

During a relatively brief career, alto saxophonist/composer Gigi Gryce was one of the promising contributors to hard bop, though he suddenly stopped playing and composing to take up music education. Though Gryce wrote a number of important works that have been frequently explored by other jazz artists, alto saxophonist Chris Byars chose to record seven of his lesser known works, in the process, discovering several previously unrecorded compositions, premiering one of them. Joined by two of his frequent collaborators, pianist Sacha Perry and bassist Ari Roland, plus trombonist John Mosca and drummer Stefan Schatz, Byars utilizes the composer's arrangements as written, though a bassline was not included in the charts. Gryce's enchanting "Al-Ghashiyah" is the undiscovered gem, blending a peppy opening and closing with an exotic central section. The leader switches to flute for the Latin-flavored introduction to "Sans Souci" (derived from the changes to "Out of Nowhere"), though the chart quickly shifts into a midtempo bop setting showcasing Perry, with the leader's father James Byars added on oboe in the ensemble sections. Byars is equally skilled on tenor in the driving blues "Blue Lights." Roland adds a taste of Paul Chambers with his solid arco technique on several tracks. This is an excellent tribute to an unjustly neglected jazz musician. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-lights-mw0000833156

Personnel: Chris Byars (flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); John Mosca (trombone); Sacha Perry (piano); Stefan Schatz (drums).

Blue Lights

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Grant Stewart - More Urban Tones

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:17
Size: 142,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:40)  1. Nica's Tempo
(8:42)  2. I Should Care
(7:21)  3. You Go To My Head
(7:26)  4. Rabbitron
(6:45)  5. All Through The Night
(8:04)  6. You Sweet And Fancy Lady
(7:06)  7. Manhattan Bridge
(7:12)  8. Pie-Eye Blues

Born in Toronto, Canada on June 4, 1971, Grant Stewart was exposed to the music of Charlie Parker, Wardell Gray and Coleman Hawkins by his father, a high-school English teacher and semiprofessional guitarist. Father and son often played together for hours on end. It was through these early experiences and his father's encouragement that Stewart first developed a strong ear for melody, style, and improvisation. He began with the alto saxophone at age 10, and when he was 14 his first teacher, noted Toronto bandleader Pete Schofield, invited him to play professionally in Schofield's Big Band. At 17 he switched to the tenor saxophone and was soon playing with such master saxophonists as Pat Labarbara and Bob Mover. Stewart considers Mover to be one of his greatest teachers and among his strongest influences along with Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Don Byas, and Lester Young.

Since moving to New York City at the age of 19, Stewart has studied with such masters as Donald Byrd, Barry Harris, and Joe Lovano, and performed with Curtis Fuller, John Hendricks, Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Bill Charlap, Frank Gant, Dan Barrett, Bob Mover, Brad Mehldau, Russell Malone, Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, Jimmy Cobb, Harry Connick , Harold Mabern, Mickey Roker, Arthur Harper, Jimmy Lovelace, Cecil Payne, Dick Hyman, Herb Geller and was a member of the last Al Grey Sextet. Stewart can be found playing at such clubs in NY as, Birdland, Smoke, The Ketano, The Jazz Standard, Fat Cat and can be heard every Tuesday night at Smalls Jazz Club. Stewart has performed all over North America and Europe as well as Japan, Brazil, Taiwan and was one of the first jazz artists to be invited to play at the historical Hermitage Museum in St.Petersberg Russia. Grant was also a featured artist at the Guggenheim Museums' Jazz series with his trio-featuring Jimmy Cobb. Stewart has two releases as a leader out on Criss Cross, Downtown Sounds and More Urban Tones, as well as a third on the Fresh Sounds label entitled Buen Rollo. Downtown Sounds, heralded by critics in the U.S., Canada and Europe, was recorded in 1992 and includes Brad Mehldau, piano, Kenny Washington, drums, Peter Washington, bass and Joe Magnarelli, trumpet. Geoff Chapman, of the Toronto Star selected Downtown Sounds as one of the Top Five Jazz Albums of 1994. More Urban Tones features Peter Bernstein, guitar, Peter Washington, bass, and Billy Drummond, drums. You can also hear Grant on Ryan Kisors' recent Quintet release The Awakening on Criss Cross Jazz. One of his latest projects is a two-tenor group co-led with Eric Alexander. The C.D.is called Wailin' and is available on Criss Cross. Grant's latest quintet release Estate featuring Bill Charlap and Joe Cohn is available on Criss Cross as well. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/grantstewart

Personnel:  Grant Stewart (Ts);  Peter Bernstein (G);  Peter Washington (B);  Billy Drummond (D);  Chris Byars (Ts);  Jay Collins (Ts).

More Urban Tones

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Chris Byars - Bop-ography

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 62:07
Size: 115,1 MB
Art: Front

( 5:19)  1. Festival
( 5:59)  2. Straight Ahead
( 6:20)  3. Lost Love
( 4:29)  4. Himalayan Sunrise
( 6:07)  5. Nature Boy
( 6:39)  6. Minority
( 6:33)  7. Indra
(20:38)  8. Bop-Ography

An equally skilled player on both alto and tenor saxes, Chris Byars leads a tantalizing pianoless quartet, using regular collaborators John Mosca on trombone, bassist Ari Roland, and drummer Stefan Schatz. After an earlier tribute to composer Gigi Gryce, Byars continues with three more of his songs, adding octogenarian vibraphonist Teddy Charles for the enticing slow blues "Straight Ahead" (with its meandering theme, it is anything but), while the leader's father is added on English horn in the ensembles for the breezy take of Gryce's well-known bop vehicle "Minority." Byars' exotic "Indra" features Schatz on kanjira (an Indian tambourine-like instrument, but without the metal rim) is full of twists and turns in its infectious theme, and his majestic "Himalayan Sunrise" has a Far Eastern air (with the backgrounds provided by both Mosca and Byars, Sr. on English horn) and rich harmonies often found in '50s jazz. This is yet another fine date by Chris Byars. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/bop-ography-mw0001983527

Personnel: Chris Byars (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); John Mosca (trombone); Stefan Schatz (drums); James Byars (oboe);  Teddy Charles (vibes);  Ari Roland (bass).

Bop-ography

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Freddie Redd - With Due Respect

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:59
Size: 144,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:49)  1. A Night In Nalen
(7:09)  2. Reminiscing
(7:20)  3. Blue Hue
(3:20)  4. With Due Respect
(7:16)  5. I'm Gonna Be Happy
(7:13)  6. O.D.
(6:23)  7. Olé
(8:10)  8. Lady J. Blues
(9:16)  9. Melanie

Freddie Redd is one of the last living links to the golden age of modern jazz. He started playing the piano after hearing Charlie Parker in the 1940s and made his mark on the scene in 1959 with his score for Jack Gelber's avant-garde play "The Connection." This told the story of a group of junkies, most of them jazz musicians, waiting for their man. When he arrives, everyone shoots up and one of the company dies from an overdose. Happy days! It was later turned into a movie. Redd starred in both play and film. Initially, Gelber wanted the musicians to improvise on blues and standards but when the play was being cast met Redd who suggested an original score which would attempt to depict musically what was happening on stage. The idea was deemed to work well, one critic likening the Redd-Gelber collaboration to that of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. Alas, posterity didn't agree. During the years that followed, kitchen sink drama went where else? down the drain. Redd continued playing in New York and in Europe but was never able to equal the notoriety fame, if you like he'd experienced with "The Connection."

So in the end he stopped trying to and concentrated instead on writing and playing intelligent, swinging music. At the age of 88, he's still doing just that. Here the "forgotten" pianist/composer leads a sextet of far younger musicians in an excellent, varied program of his own compositions, dusted off and arranged for the modern age by saxophonist Chris Byars. In the opening number, "A Night In Nalen," based on the chords of "Cherokee," Redd captures the restless energy generated at the old Stockholm bop venue, paying a brief homage to Bud Powell in the second chorus. But this album is no easy trip down memory lane. The accent is on creating something new, not old, borrowed or blue. Byars' father, James, a member of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, plays oboe on "Reminiscing," the best track, with a lovely, lilting theme and lazy, "old time" feel that has little to do with bebop. And it's interesting to compare "O.D," from Redd's score for "The Connection" with the same song on his 1961 Blue Note album of music from the play, which featured Jackie McLean on alto a new take but based firmly on the original. In the sleeve note, Byars explains Redd's music as a fusion of the 32-bar AABA popular music framework with jazz and blues. He says, "From a songwriting perspective it's like Bird meets Cole Porter. These tunes are built for speed." The title track reflects on the ups and downs of Redd's life in music with no bitterness, just resignation. To Byars the last word: "Freddie is a storyteller, in his solos and as a composer." ~ Chris Mosey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/with-due-respect-freddie-redd-steeplechase-records-review-by-chris-mosey.php

Personnel:  Freddie Redd: piano;  John Mosca: trombone;  Chris Byars: alto saxophone, flute;  Stefano Doglioni: bass clarinet;  James Byars: oboe;  Jay Anderson: bass;  Billy Drumond: drums.

With Due Respect

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