Cyrus Faryar
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Cyrus Faryar is an American folk musician and record producer.
Born (c. 1935) in Hawaii to a family of Persian descent, he was a childhood friend of folk singer Dave Guard. In 1961, Guard recruited him to join his new group, the Whiskeyhill Singers, who also included Judy Henske. After Guard's group 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.
In 1967, Faryar collaborated with synthesizer virtuoso Paul Beaver on "The Zodiac:Cosmic Sounds", a pioneering psychedelic LP on Elektra Records, and was also on Cass Elliot's 1968 album "Dream a Little Dream of Me". At the Monterey Pop Festival, Faryar led a band dubbed the "Group With No Name," which made an anonymous appearance.
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.
