13 Pieces

The Other Quartet | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: ALLEGRO CORPORATION
• ASIN: B00001ZWCO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,065,189 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Formed in 1996, the Other Quartet is carving out its own niche in today's new-music scene. Comprising trumpeter Russ Johnson, soprano and tenor saxophonist Ohad Talmor, guitarist Jim Hershman, and drummer Michael Sarin, this band has set out to bridge the gap between notated and improvised music. It does a good job, performing and improvising on classical pieces such as Stravinsky's "Piece for String Quartet No. 3" and an excerpt from the first movement of Bruckner's "Fourth Symphony." The group also plays through-composed originals, messes with unusual time signatures, and employs free and chord-change-based improvisation.

The composing and arranging by Johnson and Talmor is consistently fresh and skillful. Their use of overlapping lines helps make the group sound larger than it is. Johnson's big tone helps a lot in that respect, too; he sounds like a trumpet section himself. Even though at 34, the trumpeter isn't a Boy Wonder, he still hasn't recorded much. Most notably, he played on a recent Curtis Fowlkes CD. It's hard to say from just two performances, but there's a good chance johnson will be one of the next important cats on trumpet. He's put together ideas from a variety of sources: the Freddie Hubbard-Woody Shaw school, Dave Douglas, and 20th-century classical composers. Although technique is a means to an end, Johnson's tremendous chops serve him very well, as does his clean articulation in every register. He is so relaxed and poised; when you hear him start some many-note phrase containing wide interval leaps, you don't tense up wondering if he'll play it cleanly. He's also a daring improvisor who uses extended techniques, such as blowing pure air through his mouthpiece.

Talmor is also a fine technician who has put together various influences, including those of Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, and Warne Marsh. He can swing powerfully when he wants to. There isn't enough soloing here by Hershman, but he seems to be an inventive player. And Sarin is as solid as he usually is. Look for more from this band and from Johnson.

--- Harvey Pekar, JAZZIZ Magazine, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bright Horns, December 7, 1999

By 

Stephanie (Brooklyn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 13 Pieces (Audio CD)

Wonderful interplay between saxophonist, Ohad Talmor and trumpeter, Russ Johnson. The style is embued with an avant sensibility that is very listenable. The character of the compositions are bright and clear with the production lending to a sense of space.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Jazz Discovery of 1999!, December 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 13 Pieces (Audio CD)

A definite must for the jazz listener. One of the freshest sounds I've heard in years. Ohad Talmor's playing is wonderful and extremely original. Tell all your friends about this one!