All About Jazz / NY
March, 2007

Chris Byars / Photos in Black, White and Gray
by Ken Dryden

Saxophonist Chris Byars has made a name for himself
as one of many promising neobop musicians who
perform on a regular basis at Smalls, 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 7 and earned a Masters degree at the
Manhattan School of Music at the age of 20. For his
third date as a leader, Byars is joined by several of the
label’s regulars, including pianist Sacha Perry, bassist
Ari Roland and drummer Andy Watson.

A talented player, Byars is clearly finding his own
voice on each of his three instruments (alto, tenor and
soprano sax) and his program of originals is wellpaced
with a fair amount of variety. He shows a bit of
playfulness in “Aquarian Epoch”, while the brisk
samba “Manhattan Valley” is another obvious
highlight. Byars’ robust tenor is on display in the
pulsating pianoless setting of “A. T.” (dedicated to the
late drummer Art Taylor). He then switches to
soprano sax for the enticing ballad “Safe at Home”.
Perry, who studied with Barry Harris, is a solid bop
pianist who pushes the leader with his driving
accompaniment. Roland provides a firm foundation,
his arco bass technique inviting comparison to recorded
Paul Chambers. Watson is a refreshingly restrained
drummer who effortlessly keeps a strong beat, though
he is no slouch when he takes the opportunity to solo
in “A. T.”.