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On the Shoulders of Giants (album)

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On the Shoulders of Giants
Album cover of On the Shoulders of Giants, featuring the musicians on the album standing outside at night in New York City
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 15, 2020
RecordedFebruary 2019
Length55:28
LabelSteepleChase Records
ProducerNils 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]

Critical reception

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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

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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

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  1. ^ a b 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.