On the Shoulders of Giants (album)

Last updated
On the Shoulders of Giants
On the Shoulders of Giants album cover.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 15, 2020
RecordedFebruary 2019
Length55:28
Label SteepleChase Records
Producer Nils Winther
Chris Byars chronology
A Hundred Years from Today
(2018)
On the Shoulders of Giants
(2020)
Rhythm And Blues Of The 20s
(2021)

On the Shoulders of Giants is an album by the American jazz saxophonist Chris Byars, released in 2020. It features a sextet without a chordal instrument, in which solos are accompanied with arranged horn harmonies. The sound on the album has been compared to that of Gerry Mulligan's pianoless groups. [1]

Contents

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Tom Hull [2] B+

Ken Dryden, writing for the New York City Jazz Record , stated that "The music sounds like it has been worked out in concert, sounding effortless" and that "The engaging performances on this CD will stand the test of time." [1] Scott Yanow, writing in L.A. Jazz Scene, praised the horn arrangements, stating that "Everyone has opportunities to shine in their solos yet the arranged ensembles that accompany them are often just as noteworthy." [3]

Track listing

All tracks written by Chris Byars except as otherwise indicated

  1. Big Red (Tommy Turrentine) – 6:10
  2. Keeper – 4:34
  3. Closer – 7:18
  4. Nashville – 10:19
  5. Arizona – 6:15
  6. Philadelphia – 5:54
  7. Ste. Phanourios – 10:08
  8. Third Culture Kid – 8:46
  9. Moscow – 5:28

Personnel

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References

  1. 1 2 Dryden, Ken (April 2020). "On The Shoulders Of Giants" (PDF). New York City Jazz Record . No. 216. p. 27.
  2. Hull, Tom (May 4, 2020). "Music Week". tomhull.com. New records reviewed this week. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
  3. Yanow, Scott (2020-08-01). "Jazz CD Reviews July 2020". L.A. Jazz Scene. Retrieved 2024-06-03.