Embassy Events
As Jazz Ambassadors the Chris Byars Quartet "Talks" Jazz in Two Slovak Cities
February 26, 2008
Bratislava and Kosice, the two major cities that bookend Slovakia
east-to-west greeted the Chris Byars Jazz Quartet with standing room
only crowds at Slovak Radio's hall number two and GES Club's spacious
stage. Chris Byars reciprocated at the February 26 and 27 performances
with a jazz rendition of the classic Slovak lullaby "Dobru Noc Ma
Mila," which Slovak jazz singer Peter Lipa taught the group just hours
prior to the first concert. In Bratislava, the quartet jammed with
Slovak jazz musicians on stage and in Kosice they practiced their chops
with Roma student musicians. Sponsored by the US Embassy in Slovakia,
the renowned quartet featuring Chris Byars on saxophone, John Mosca on
trombone, Ari Roland on bass and Stefan Schatz on drums, is on tour as
part of the 2007-2008 Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. This tour,
which brings the truly American music of jazz to the world, is produced
by Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department. The quartet of
accomplished musicians held Master classes throughout their stay in
Slovakia. The band has been performing together for two decades, most
frequently at the New York City jazz club, Smalls and plays original
music based on a lifelong study of great jazz masters. For more
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