Chris Byars - Two Fives

Award-winning saxophonist/composer Chris Byars divides his artistic focus between development of original material and studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. On 'Two Fives' Byars combines the result of his research into historical compositions and his own creations, performing five of each.During the past five years under the SteepleChase label, Chris Byars released two albums of his own materials and four albums paying tribute to unsung heroes of bebop compositions of 40s and 50s: Gigi Gryce, Lucky Thompson, Freddie Redd and Duke Jordan respectively. Coaxes a huge sound out of five horns, a credit to the quality of the arrangements...Byars has put together a set of concise, rewarding tracks with a band that turns in a terrific performance of outstanding material. - All About Jazz on (SCCD31713 'Lucky Strikes Again')The players are all young enough to have been Jordan's grandchildren, but together they create exactly the full, mellow sound his harmonies demand...an excellent set. - The Observer (on SCCD31787 The Music Of Duke Jordan)Personnel: Chris Byars (alto saxophone), Stefano Doglioni (bass clarinet), John Mosca (trombone), Pasquale Grasso (guitar), Ari Roland (bass), Stefan Schatz (drums)