Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  This is a preview excerpt from our Feb 2014 session for SteepleChase.  Alto/arr, Chris Byars; Bass Clar, Stefano Doglioni; Trombone, John Mosca; Guitar, Pasquale Grasso; Bass, Ari Roland; Drums, Stefan Schatz

Danny Boy

Arrangement by Chris Byars
Shawn Clark and the Lapis Luna Orchestra
This track and an entire X-Mas CD available for download on CD Baby
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lapisluna2

Snowbound Mixed

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Chris Byars interviewed on 1-11-17 by Frank Levatino on the Frankie Sticks Show, City World Radio. We discuss the new CD Release by The Chris Byars Sextet, "The Music of Frank Strozier". Check out Frank every Wednesday night, live streaming!

Frankie Sticks  1 - 11 - 17 P CWRN

This was recorded live using my Zoom H2 in Niamey, Niger; the local band is "Sogha" a group of very clearly professional musicians.  They are playing a mambo dedicated to "Barack Obama".  I am guessing that this is originally from 2007 or 2008, when Africa was embracing with great anticipation that the USA could have a President with African lineage.  The chorus repeats, in French "Barack Obama, President"...that says it all for the Africans.  Musically, please note how the Latin rhythms which are so familiar to us are brought to life by the use of a light swing feel.  Also, note that the singer was 70 years old and could dance beautifully - all the pretty ladies got up and danced with him when he started singing...

BarackObama

Featuring the great Jimmy Lovelace, this upload is intended to spread the jazz message as delivered through the sound of the drums.  Please give a listen and share with any drummers that didn't get the privilege to hear Jimmy in person.  The audio was recorded live, by Luke Kaven, a few years before the creation of Smalls Records.  If you like this, please visit Luke's site at www.smallsrecords.com.  The song is "Adriatic Sea" composed and arranged by Chris Byars.  Musicians are: Chris Byars, Tenor Saxophone; John Mosca, Trombone; Sacha Perry, Piano; Ari Roland, Bass; Jimmy Lovelace, drums.  Recorded in 1997, I think.

01 Adriatic Sea

Featuring the great Jimmy Lovelace, this upload is intended to spread the jazz message as delivered through the sound of the drums.  Please give a listen and share with any drummers that didn't get the privilege to hear Jimmy in person.  If you wish to fast forward to Jimmy's solo, go to 10:18.  

The audio was recorded live, by Luke Kaven, a few years before the creation of Smalls Records.  If you like this, please visit Luke's site at www.smallsrecords.com.  The song is "The Midas Touch" composed and arranged by Chris Byars.  Musicians are: Chris Byars, Tenor Saxophone; John Mosca, Trombone; Sacha Perry, Piano; Ari Roland, Bass; Jimmy Lovelace, drums.  Recorded in 1997, I think.

The Midas Touch (Chris Byars)

This is live audio of the Chris Byars Octet with special guest pianist Freddie Redd.  The microphone is too close to Freddie, but that's the point.  I'm posting this for all the pianists out there who would like a closer look at how Freddie is comping and soloing at age 83.  This was recorded on January 11, 2012 as part of the Jazz at the Atlas series in Washington DC.  Personnel is Freddie Redd, piano, Chris Byars tenor saxophone, Scott Wendholt, trumpet, Zaid Nasser, alto saxophone, John Mosca, trombone, Brad Linde, baritone saxophone, Ari Roland, bass, and Stefan Schatz, drums.

"Minor Interlude" by Chris Byars Octet & Freddie Redd

This is the Chris Byars Quintet recorded live on June 16, 2012
"Soultrane" by Tadd Dameron
Chris Byars - alto saxophone/arranger
Stefano Doglioni - bass clarinet
John Mosca - trombone
Ari Roland - bass
Phil Stewart - drums

Soultrane.6.16.12

This is the Chris Byars Quintet recorded live on June 16, 2012 
"Sans Souci" by Gigi Gryce
Chris Byars - alto saxophone/arranger 
Stefano Doglioni - bass clarinet 
John Mosca - trombone 
Ari Roland - bass 
Phil Stewart - drums


Chris Byars

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