Vincent Gardner

Mark Watkins Enhances His Celebrated Saxophone Quartet with "FOUR + Six," to Be Released March 29 on Jazz Hang Records

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Jeudi, février 29, 2024
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RICHMOND, Calif., Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Mark Watkins envelops his long-running saxophone quartet in lush, billowing textures on "FOUR + Six," the band's deliriously tuneful sixth album, set for a March 29 release on Jazz Hang Records. Watkins augments the core quartet of himself (soprano and tenor saxes), Sandon Mayhew (tenor sax), Ray Smith (alto sax), and Jon Gudmundson (baritone sax) with Corey Christiansen (guitar); a three-piece rhythm section of Justin Nielsen (piano), Braun Khan (bass), and Kobie Watkins (no relation, drums); and the esteemed Gardner brothers, Derrick (trumpet) and Vincent (trombone).

Key Points: 
  • RICHMOND, Calif., Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Mark Watkins envelops his long-running saxophone quartet in lush, billowing textures on "FOUR + Six," the band's deliriously tuneful sixth album, set for a March 29 release on Jazz Hang Records.
  • I love composing for a cappella saxophone quartet but have often been intrigued by the possibility of including a trumpet, a trombone, and a rhythm section in my compositions.
  • These instruments add color and variety to the quartet without creating the weight of a big band.
  • But when a colleague suggested that they investigate some jazz tunes, the Hard-Bop Saxophone Quartet was born.