Cyrus Faryar is an American folk musician, songwriter, and record producer. He was active in musical, theatrical, and performance events in high school. After graduating from high school and attending college, he became involved in the entertainment industry, opening the first coffee house in Hawaii. He later moved to Southern California and became active with several groups. When Dave Guard left the Kingston Trio to pursue his interest in early folk music styles, Guard asked Faryar to join his new group, The Whiskeyhill Singers. After the Whiskeyhill Singers disbanded Faryar moved to San Diego to perform with other folk musicians. After his San Diego period Faryar returned to Hawaii, where he helped form the Modern Folk Quartet, and produced two records of his eclectic neo-folk music style.  Still living in Hawaii, he continues to perform occasionally with his recognizable and distinctive deep baritone voice.

Early life, family, and education

Born in Iran (ca. 1936) to a family of Persian descent, he was a childhood friend of folk singer Dave Guard. He attended Punahou School, graduating in 1953. He attended the University of Hawaii in Manoa Valley, but left before obtaining his degree.

Professional life and accomplishments

By 1957 Faryar's avant garde interests led him to establish a "beat" style coffee house in Honolulu. Faryar's Greensleeves coffee house was, like the those popularized first by San Francisco's beat generation in the Broadway section of the city, a gathering place for local musicians, poets, and writers.

By 1961, Faryar had left Honolulu and established himself in San Diego. Dave Guard then recruited him to join his new group, the Whiskeyhill Singers, who also included Judy Henske.

After the Whiskeyhill Singers broke up, Faryar returned to Hawaii, and formed a new singing group, the Modern Folk Quartet, with Chip Douglas, Henry Diltz and Jerry Yester, which lasted three years before itself disbanding in 1966.

At the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, Faryar led a band dubbed the "Group With No Name," which made an anonymous appearance. The same year, he collaborated with synthesizer virtuoso Paul Beaver on The Zodiac : Cosmic Sounds, a pioneering psychedelic LP on Elektra Records. In 1968 he performed on Cass Elliot's album "Dream a Little Dream of Me".

He released two solo albums as a singer/songwriter in the early 1970s, but became better known as a producer, particularly for the Firesign Theatre, and playing sessions for Linda Ronstadt and others. He has also continue to record and tour with re-formed versions of the Modern Folk Quartet (or Quintet), as well as recording Hawaiian music following his return to live there.

Discography

• 1967: The Zodiac : Cosmic Sounds
• 1971: Cyrus
• 1973: Islands

External links

• Article by Richie Unterberger
• The Zodiac's Cosmic Sounds at myspace