‘Chamber jazz perspectives on early 20th century popular music’
This dynamic new project features original written arrangements by Michael McQuaid for four unaccompanied saxophones, performed by some of London’s finest saxophone players, and producing an astonishing range of sounds.
Now performing across the UK and further afield, the quartet draws on the works of some of the finest and most loved composers of the early 20th century, including Scott Joplin, Ernesto Nazareth, George Gershwin and many more.
Each performance is breathtakingly detailed, engagingly presented and remarkably beautiful.
‘Superb, nay – ravishing, performances’ – Norman Field, UK jazz historian and musician
‘Astonishingly beautiful…No one else is doing anything like this!’ – Michael Steinman, Jazz Lives
Michael McQuaid – Alto 1, Musical Arranger
- An acknowledged authority on early jazz and swing, Australian-born Michael McQuaid has travelled the world playing saxophone, clarinet and trumpet with artists like Keith Nichols, Vince Giordano, Bob Wilber and Andy Schumm. He is a leading exponent of the powerful magic of 1920s and 1930s orchestration, having honed his craft writing music for his own bands since the age of 15. This project also showcases his mellifluous lead alto sound, shimmering on top of the ensemble.
David Horniblow – Alto 2
- Known for his impressive clarinet and saxophone playing with the Dime Notes, Chris Barber and other UK jazz greats, David Horniblow is a musician with a reputation for combining style and substance. Initially a student of classical clarinet at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, David also has a deep love and understanding of early jazz styles, evident in the painstaking research and preparation he puts into each performance. It’s no wonder the results are so good.
Simon Marsh – Tenor
- One of London’s busiest and most versatile musicians, saxophonist/clarinettist/flautist Simon Marsh may be found performing in West End musicals, playing hot jazz with Alex Mendham & His Orchestra, or recording with an orchestra at the famous Abbey Road Studios. He has a gift for inhabiting a range of different musical styles, always to the highest level imaginable – his performances in this quartet are no exception.
Tom Law – Baritone
- Tom Law is a graduate of no fewer than three musical establishments – Chetham’s School of Music, the Royal College of Music, and Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He combines all this training with his own sense of taste and style to produce beautifully smooth performances, whether he is playing classical saxophone repertoire, jazz clarinet with Alex Mendham & His Orchestra, or flute behind famous cabaret stars. His sonorous baritone sax sound provides the ideal foundation for this project.
Contact Michael McQuaid for more information and bookings.
