The album title of Chris Byars’ 13th release on SteepleChase “Rhythm and Blues of The 20s” needs some clarification. It is not about the roaring 20s and not the R&B as you know it. It is about here and now 2020s and Rhythm and Blues comes from the fact that Byars’ compositions are either based on Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm or on Blues where jazz finds its cradle. Now the title explained we hope you will enjoy the fascinating music performed by Byars’ unique Original Jazz Sextet. “Mr. Byars is in the pantheon of the contemporary breed of composer-bandleaders. His music is highly original and thoroughly eclectic yet solidly within the jazz mainstream.” (Will Friedwald – New York Sun)