Jazz Articles

Miami Saxophone Quartet: Fourtified

by Jack Bowers
August 11, 2009

Before even blowing a note, the Miami Saxophone Quartet has earned bonus points by doing something other such groups would be wise to emulate: it has added a rhythm section (at least on three of Fourtified's nine tracks). There's even a second quartet--viola, cello, two violins--on the aptly named three-movement “Jazz Suite for Double Quartet," Latin percussion (courtesy of Richard Bravo) on “Spunky" and “Seventh Sign," and a guitarist (Dan Warren) on “Spunky." To add more spice to the bill ...

Miami Saxophone Quartet: Midnight Rumba

by Jack Bowers
August 23, 2005

Several things help set the Miami Saxophone Quartet apart from comparable groups: one, the brilliantly textured charts, most of them written by Ed Calle or Gary Lindsay; two, the emphasis on Latin and Hispanic motifs and melodies, epitomized by Calle's three-movement Iberia Suite; and three, the use of percussion on three selections, guest artist Arturo Sandoval on trumpet, flugelhorn and piano, and vocalist Jon Secada on his own composition, “Angel. Midnight Rumba, the third album by the MSQ, celebrates Latin ...

The Miami Saxophone Quartet: Live

by Jack Bowers
March 7, 2004

This album could be called “The Miami Saxophone Quartet Plus,” as every member of the synchronous South Florida-based group doubles (and sometimes triples) on other instruments, and there are talented guest artists on three of the seven selections. Like most such groups, the MSQ is very much into rich tonal colors and intricate harmonic schemes interlaced with suitable improvisations.

The open-handed concert, taped at the University of Florida in Coral Gables, embraces compositions by Pat Metheny, Chucho ...

Miami Saxophone Quartet: Take Four Giants Steps

by Mark F. Turner
January 14, 2004

For saxophone aficionados there is nothing quite as enjoyable as the pure sound of a harmonious reed ensemble. Hearkening to the days when big bands roamed the jazz scene and swing was more synonymous with Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman; the enormous sound of the saxophone quartet was and still is a thing of uniqueness and pleasure. Recent efforts from the World Saxophone, Osland Saxophone, and American Saxophone Quartets have proven and that the artistry is still alive and well. ...

Miami Saxophone Quartet: Live

by Michael P. Gladstone
January 10, 2004

Nowadays it seems that jazz ensemble saxophone playing is thought of as part of either the marching brass band tradition or the avant-garde. Listening to the Miami Saxophone Quartet reminds me of a truncated version of Supersax. Although the latter group was a five sax unit augmented by trumpet and rhythm that specialized in performing the harmonic solos of Charlie Parker, MSQ utilizes the same principles for jazz, pop and original tunes.

This organization is comprised of ...