Chris Byars Octet

CHRIS BYARS is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator based in New York City. He divides his artistic focus between development of original material and studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. He plays alto, tenor and soprano saxophones, clarinet, and flute. For over two decades, Chris has been a staple of the New York City jazz scene, performing at the city's finest venues, including Smalls, Mezzrow, the Village Vanguard, Dizzy's Club, Birdland, The Jazz Gallery and Iridium.Chris is an innovative and prolific composer. He has written for ensembles of all sizes, from trio to full orchestra. His seventeenth commercially-released CD as a leader, "Look Ahead", was released on SteepleChase Records in May 2023.Chris was commissioned by the WDR Big Band to arrange a concert featuring trumpeter Scott Wendholt in August 2024, his seventh guest appearance with the organization. Chris has also arranged for John Pizzarelli Big Band, The Nashville Symphony, and the Omaha Symphony.As a Cultural Envoy for the U.S. State Department, Chris has traveled to over 50 countries to perform concerts and present educational workshops.Chris is an enthusiastic jazz educator. He teaches in affiliation with The New School and also privately, through his own studio or via Skype. In 2023 and 2024, Chris was a featured clinician for the Barry Harris Institute.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.- Teddy Charleschrisbyarsjazz@gmail.comwww.chrisbyars.com