Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Miami Saxophone Quartet: Take Four Giants Steps

150

Miami Saxophone Quartet: Take Four Giants Steps

By

Sign in to view read count
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. With Take Four Giants Steps the Miami Saxophone Quartet joins the list of current ensembles that deliver horns aplenty.

Each member of the quartet delivers an artistic sound as the singular voices of tenor, alto, soprano, and baritone saxophone are distinctive yet when combined create harmony and balance. The quartet’s open and fervent approach is felt on every composition as each musician performs through complex arrangements with tight interplay.

The scope of MSQ’s repertoire covers a wide range of styles from jazz, classical, and chamber pieces. Highlights include the great saxophonist John Coltrane’s classic jazz piece "Giant Steps" which is uniquely recreated with multiple horn lines and impressive solos. The quartet’s alto member Gary Lindsay pens almost half of the selections: the string accompanied “Waltz for Joshua,” an interesting suite of “Childhood Memories,” and the ragtime antics of “Intoxicated Rag.” The horns are always lush and probing, conveying oneness. Throw in a movement, a few pieces written specifically for the saxophone, and an awe-inspiring rendition of “America the Beautiful” and the path becomes clearer: one that leads to saxophone nirvana.

Visit the MSQ on the web at www.miamisaxquartet.com .

Track Listing

1. Childhood Memories: Tag 2. Giant Steps 3. Waltz for Joshua 4. Thank You 5. Carisi Quartet #1 6. Childhood Memories: Romance 7. Intoxicated Rag 8. Mintzer Quartet #1, Allegretto 9. Mintzer Quartet #1, Slowly 10. Mintzer Quartet #1, Allegro 11. Childhood Memories: Hide and Seek 12. America the Beautiful

Personnel

Gary Keller - tenor saxophone, Gary Lindsay - alto saxophone, Ed Calle - soprano saxophone, and Mike Brignola - baritone saxophone

Album information

Title: Take Four Giants Steps | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Fourtitude

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.