Jj Byars

Chris Byars - Lucky Strickes Again (Steeplechase, 2011)

Source: Music and More by Tim Niland
June 23, 2011

Coming into the jazz world at the intersection of swing and bop, saxophonist Lucky Thompson was a well regarded performer in the 1950's and 60's before leaving the music business in the 1970's. One of his most well regarded albums was the Lucky Strikesalbum released on OJC in 1964. Inspired by Thompson's approach to music and aided by an excellent cast: Leader Chris Byars on tenor and soprano saxophones, Scott Wendholt on trumpet, John Mosca on trombone, Zaid Nesser on ...
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Chris Byars: Lucky Strikes Again

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
May 10, 2011

When the names of great tenor saxophonists are tossed around, the chain of succession generally runs like this: Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. All, of course, were reed titans, and Sonny still is. A half-step below this esteemed group is a second tier of greats that include Don Byas, Wardell Gray, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Hank Mobley, Eddie “Lockjaw" Davis and Wayne Shorter. Typically left out is Lucky ...
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Chris Byars - Bop-Ography (Steeplechase)

Source: Master of a Small House
May 12, 2010

On the occasion of his second Steeplechase outing Chris Byars cannily continues in a musical rich vein tapped on his first. Gigi Gryce counts as a current healthy obsession of the saxophonist and three of the composers' pieces grace the program. Another of Byars abiding interests concerns the work and legacy of vibraphonist Teddy Charles, a relatively recent recruit to his circle of collaborators thanks to a long-overdue return to active playing. Charles guests on just three pieces, but his ...
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Saxophonist Chris Byars Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
September 30, 2009

As legendary jazz vibraphonists Teddy Charles describes him, “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."

Byars has been working hard over the past few years, releasing a string of critically well-received albums including Blue Lights: The Music of Gigi Gryce (SteepleChase, 2009) and, with ...
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