Always reaching for the highest level of expression and entertainment, the Acoustic Jazz Quartet defines contemporary acoustic jazz with its blend of sophisticated original compositions and a unique treatment of the classic jazz repertoire. A working ensemble since 1996, the Acoustic Jazz Quartet approaches the traditional quartet format from a new perspective creating a unique ensemble sound.
"The blend of tenor saxophone and acoustic guitar is a beguiling one, and the Californian Acoustic Jazz Quartet exploit it with great skill. A neat, airy band with everything from 6/8 bustles and sly blues to vigorous groove music. . . an extremely promising band." - Chris Parker, The London Times
"[The Acoustic Jazz Quartet's] self titled debut starts swinging and never stops. A White-Hot recommendation." - C. Michael Bailey, AllAboutJazz.com
"JAZZ PICK OF THE WEEK. . . the group, by the sound of the album, shares a vision of swing, taste and execution. This foursome reflects the true heart of West Coast jazz in the '90s: no nonsense, straight-ahead but not strait-laced and willing to revel in the mellowness that 300-plus days of sunshine and warmth impart to personality. In other words, the Acoustic Jazz Quartet is cool." - Bill Kohlhaase, LA Weekly
The band's sound is based in part on the original compositions of Jamie Findlay. In 1989 Jamie recorded his first album, Wings of Light, with a fantastic band of hired guns, including Alex Acuña, Gary Willis and Russell Ferrante. Jamie's subsequent solo album, Amigos del Corazón, although satisfying in many ways left him desiring to make a record with a well rehearsed working band. After working with several different combinations Jamie began rehearsing with saxophonist David Sills, drummer Dean Koba and bassist Zac Matthews, and the AJQ was born.
"Acoustic Jazz Quartet Expertly Blends Sounds . . . The [AJQ] is producing music that makes the most of the intriguing sound potential of the guitar-tenor saxophone coalition. . . .Sills, one of several important young Southland saxophonists, played with the big-toned sound and harmony-defining improvisation that are his stock in trade. His interaction with Findlay, filled with mellow timbres and surging melody lines, was the quartet's defining quality . . .Matthews, who co-leads the group with Findlay, played several athletic solos clearly defining his technical virtuosity. But he was equally effective as a section player. . . the quartet had the characteristics of a promising unit, one with considerable future potential." - Don Heckman, LA Times
The members of the Acoustic Jazz Quartet have extensive experience in the jazz community. They have performed with the likes of Don Menza, Pete Christlieb, Bill Watrous, Henry Mancini, Bobby Shew, Bud Shank, Rob McConnel, Gary Foster, Robben Ford, Dave Coz, Alex Acuña, Russell Ferrante, John Clayton Jr., Scott Henderson, Ron Eschete, Plaz Johnson, Jeff Berlin, Marcus Printup, Phil Upchurch and many more.
In 1999 the AJQ recorded the soundtrack for the film 'Without a Map". The film features the music of film composer Sara Graef who wrote the score for the AJQ and also features 6 of Zac Matthews' tunes.
Please contact go to http://www.LAJazzBands.com for booking information |
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