Chris Byars Jazz Quartet Wins Over Cyprus
with “That Sweet Melody”
March 6-11 , 2008
From March 6 through 11, Cyprus was taken by storm as New York City’s own Chris Byars Jazz Quartet shared “that sweet melody” with Cypriots both young and old in both communities. The group held packed, standing-room only performances, some of which were televised, for over 2000 people at universities, high schools, theaters and even a “real” jazz club. In addition, they also conducted several master-class workshops for musicians which inevitably turned into full-on “jam sessions.” Many of these Cypriot musicians had never played real jazz before, but it wasn’t long before they got into the groove and they often returned to see the group later at public performances where they were brought up on stage to perform with the band. The group’s ability to show the Cypriot audience that music is a universal language was taken to a further level with the group incorporating a traditional Cypriot instrument known as the “toumperleki” into every performance.
The music maestros even “jazzified” two traditional Cypriot folk songs, which had audiences from both communities clapping and singing along before breaking into standing ovations. By the time the group wrapped up their Cyprus tour on March 11 they had been approached countless times to answer the same question: "How do we build up the jazz community here in Cyprus?" After the Byars Quartet, it appears Cyprus is already well on its way.
From March 6 through 11, Cyprus was taken by storm as New York City’s own Chris Byars Jazz Quartet shared “that sweet melody” with Cypriots both young and old in both communities. The group held packed, standing-room only performances, some of which were televised, for over 2000 people at universities, high schools, theaters and even a “real” jazz club. In addition, they also conducted several master-class workshops for musicians which inevitably turned into full-on “jam sessions.” Many of these Cypriot musicians had never played real jazz before, but it wasn’t long before they got into the groove and they often returned to see the group later at public performances where they were brought up on stage to perform with the band. The group’s ability to show the Cypriot audience that music is a universal language was taken to a further level with the group incorporating a traditional Cypriot instrument known as the “toumperleki” into every performance. 
The music maestros even “jazzified” two traditional Cypriot folk songs, which had audiences from both communities clapping and singing along before breaking into standing ovations. By the time the group wrapped up their Cyprus tour on March 11 they had been approached countless times to answer the same question: "How do we build up the jazz community here in Cyprus?" After the Byars Quartet, it appears Cyprus is already well on its way.
