Primary Instrument: Band/orchestra
Atlantis Quartet formed in 2006 and has emerged as one of the premier modern jazz groups in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The group consists of four of Minnesota's most exciting jazz artists who have come together to create and explore fresh and original sounds on the modern edges of the jazz idiom. Dwight Hobbes of Pulse of the Twin Cities credits Atlantis Quartet with “strong compositions and insanely serious chops” while the Dakota Jazz Club refers to the band as “One of the most exciting bands in town, this group tackles complex, catchy originals with ease”.
In its relatively short existence, the quartet has performed many of the area's top jazz venues, including the Dakota, Artists' Quarter, Cedar Culural Center, Clown Lounge, and more, and has even brought its lively jazz sound into rock clubs such as the Uptown Bar, 331 Club and Bunkers. Atlantis has also shared the stage with acclaimed artists like Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jonathan Kreisberg, and Imani Uzuri.
August 2007 marked the release of Atlantis Quartet's debut album, Again, Too Soon. The album is a collection of eight original compositions recorded last spring at Fur Seal Studio in Minneapolis, MN. In a review of the album from the spring 2008 issue of Jazz Improv Magazine, Clive Griffin says “What is abundantly clear is that each of the members of the Atlantis Quartet are highly skilled musicians who have invested themselves heavily to develop their individual approaches... Together, they sound genuinely inspired, enjoying the music-making they're doing together.” Griffin goes on to say, “The Atlantis Quartet is a versatile group of jazz musicians whose music evidences their understanding and appreciation of important jazz influences - influences that they have assimilated individual and group creativity, to reach this notable moment of expressions that is the album Again, Too Soon.”
In December 2009, the quartet put out its much anticipated follow up album, Animal Progress, featuring 12 new compositions as well as the new lineup of Chris Bates on bass and Brandon Wozniak switching from tenor to alto saxophone. The record has been met with rave reviews. Rick Mason of the Citypages calls the album “the full blossoming of a signature Atlantis sound that taps historic elements like swing, bop, and free jazz while referencing contemporary bits of funk, rock, and world music, then rolls it all into a cohesive bundle of kinetic energy with the visceral allure of intense fireworks and the intellectual challenge of multilayered complexity.”
Atlantis Quartet features saxophonist Brandon Wozniak, guitarist Zacc Harris, drummer Pete Hennig, and bassist Chris Bates.
“[Animal Progress] is the full blossoming of a signature Atlantis sound that taps historic elements like swing, bop, and free jazz while referencing contemporary bits of funk, rock, and world music, then rolls it all into a cohesive bundle of kinetic energy with the visceral allure of intense fireworks and the intellectual challenge of multilayered complexity.” - Rick Mason, Citypages
“This is a band of bold artists, not afraid to tackle such iconic music as Love Supreme or Head Hunters, yet equally fearless in delivering their own compositions without compromise.” - Andrea Canter, Jazz Police
“Since its inception in 2006, the Atlantis Quartet has quickly moved into serious contention on the Twin Cities modern jazz front, as well as begun to attract a groundswell of national attention. The Atlantis sports four terrific players and composers.” - Rick Mason, Citypages
“From Pete Hennig’s opening salvo on the drums, this CD makes you sit up and smile. Atlantis has always had its own sound and it’s even more defined on the group's second outing. Its music features unusual rhythms, melodic surprises, sharp turns, moments of sublime beauty and a technical tightness that can only come from hours of practice.” - Pamela Espeland, MinnPost
“The Atlantis Quartet comes out rockin' on their swell new CD, Animal Progress...This is a smart, fun combo...and their new CD does them proud.” - Tom Surowicz, Minneapolis Star Tribune / Vita.mn
“Atlantis Quartet is a tight, focused band that is producing challenging, yet accessible music. Hear them. Your thinking and feeling will be richer for it.” - Jeff Hansen, Twin Cities Jazz Scene
“One of the tightest, most adventurous jazz combos in town...The CD [Animal Progress] stakes out plenty of new territory with 12 original compositions that alternately swing hard and breathe easy, incorporating elements of modern jazz and edgy, atmospheric rock..” - Tad Simons, MSP Magazine
