Award-winning saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator Chris Byars, apart from his focus on composing his own music, has been highly interested in studying the vast repertoire of jazz composers of the 20th century. His endeavour has so far culminated in Blue Lights (SCCD31662) – music of Gigi Gryce, Lucky Strikes Again (SCCD 31713) – music of Lucky Thompson, Music Forever (SCCD 31743) – music of Freddie Redd. Now to add to this impressive listing Chris Byars compiled 11 gems from the book of Duke Jordan (1922 – 2006) who was one of the early and most original bebop pianists.
Israeli-born singer Yaala Ballin wrote lyrics and sang two of the Jordan melodies (Sultry Eve and Lesson In Love).
