Jazz Articles about Chris Byars

John Lang: Earotica

by Jack Bowers
December 13, 2023

There's something special about a nonet: small enough to have its own personality, yet large enough to sound at times akin to a full-size big band. Bassist John Lang leads a first-class nonet on Earotica, his fourth album as leader. Having given Lang's last disc a rather lukewarm appraisal almost two years ago, it is a pleasure to note that his new album is superior in every respect. Gone are the desultory funk and rock beats, replaced ...

Chris Byars: Studying Unsung Heroes

by Ludwig vanTrikt
September 30, 2009

[Introduction by Teddy Charles]

It's not easy to be Chris Byars. With an incredible array of talents brought to bear on his composition, arrangements, and cooking jazz performances, it's no wonder he's worked his way to the forefront of the myriad of jazz players overwhelming the scene.

For me, our felicitous association led to multiple gigs and recordings. Dances with Bulls (Smalls Records, 2009) updates some of my old concepts, resulting in some daring explorations; a great recording.

Inspired by ...

Chris Byars: Pictures at an Exhibition of Himalayan Art

by Elliott Simon
April 2, 2008

While its mission is the preservation of Himalayan art, NYC's Rubin Museum continues to produce an excellent concert series in collaboration with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. The series has developed into a forum for artists to perform new projects in a singularly spiritual setting. Saxophonist Chris Byars has in effect written a soundtrack for selected art pieces from the Rubin--ancient tapestries depicting the deities and concepts of the Bön religious tradition of Tibet--reproductions of which are included in ...

Chris Byars: Photos in Black, White and Gray

by Ken Dryden
March 26, 2007

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 ...

The Chris Byars Octet: Night Owls

by Jim Santella
September 12, 2006

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 ...

Chris Byars: Night Owls and Steeplechase Jam Session #15

by Florence Wetzel
September 4, 2006

Chris Byars Octet Night Owls Smalls Records 2006 Kris Allen, Chris Byars, Loren Stillman Steeplechase Jam Session # 15 Steeplechase Records 2006

Saxophonist, composer, arranger and bandleader Chris Byars is one of the most versatile musicians on today's jazz scene. A consummate professional, Byars began performing at age 7 as a ...