Infinite Ideas
Erik S | NYC | 04/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Chris Byars' sound is unmistakable on the alto, soprano and especially the tenor saxophone. While channelling a good portion of Lucky Thompson in his playing, this album unmistakably bears the imprint of Chris' seemingly infinite improvisational ideas. On this album, his compositional skills come to bear as well, with many of the cuts having the potential of becoming standards. I suspect that in time "Photos in Black White and Gray" will become as ubiquitous in jazz fan's CD collections as Chris is on the manifold bandstands in New York City."
Strong Quartet Recording
Ronald Lyles | West Hartford, CT | 03/14/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Chris Byars' latest release on Smalls Records is his first quartet recording as a leader featuring his own compositions exclusively. First heard by me in his great octet and with the cooperative Across 7 Street, this strong outing is my first extended opportunity to focus on his playing. The recording benefits mightily from the fact that the musicians here - Byars, pianist Sacha Perry, bassist Ari Roland and drummer Andy Watson - have played together and developed their aesthetic live and on recordings for many years. They have absorbed the bebop language, and although their music is neither innovative, nor entirely "new", it nonetheless sounds fresh and personal. Byars is heard on tenor, alto and soprano saxophones. I have a preference for tenor and would have liked to hear more of it on this recording, but he is equally impressive on all of his horns. Byars previously proved that he is a strong writer for a medium size group with his octet. On this recording it is clear that Byars has a knack for writing interesting compositions, regardless of the size of the group. Overall, a very impressive recording and easily recommended."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1