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New York Art Quartet

The New York Art Quartet was a pioneering free jazz ensemble that emerged in the early 1960s. The group was formed in 1964 by saxophonist John Tchicai and drummer Milford Graves, both of whom were associated with the avant-garde jazz movement in New York City. The quartet also included trombonist Roswell Rudd and bassist Lewis Worrell.

The New York Art Quartet was known for their innovative and experimental approach to jazz, drawing from various influences such as bebop, free improvisation, and European classical music. They embraced a collective improvisational style, allowing each member to contribute their unique voice to the music.

The quartet released their self-titled debut album, "New York Art Quartet," in 1965, which featured a mix of composed pieces and improvisations. The album was well received by critics and is regarded as a seminal work in the free jazz genre.

Despite their influential status and critical acclaim, the New York Art Quartet disbanded in 1966 due to artistic differences and financial difficulties. However, their legacy and impact on the development of free jazz and avant-garde music continue to be recognized and celebrated.

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18
Multiple Reviews

The New York Art Quartet and the Noah Howard Quartet on Ezz-thetics

Read "The New York Art Quartet  and the Noah Howard Quartet on Ezz-thetics" reviewed by John Eyles


Although the Ezz-thetics label has been issuing a steady stream of classic albums from the '50s and '60s, some of the label's releases cannot be called classics but are of great historical interest and significance nonetheless. Some such albums are discoveries which have never before been released, while others are reissues of albums which were outshone by the classics at the time and hence neglected. The two albums below fall into the latter category and are ripe for rediscovery.

149
Album Review

New York Art Quartet: Old Stuff

Read "Old Stuff" reviewed by Nic Jones


Hindsight can be a wonderful thing. For instance, if this music is imbibed with a measure of it, it's possible to hear that the frontline of trombonist Roswell Rudd and saxophonist John Tchicai is one of the most distinctive in improvised music of recent decades. Rudd enjoyed, of course, a similar musical relationship with Steve Lacy, and while nothing can be taken away from that arrangement, his pairing with Tchicai sounds astonishingly fertile on this Old Stuff, from almost half ...

212
Album Review

New York Art Quartet: Old Stuff

Read "Old Stuff" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


The New York Art Quartet was a short-lived group. Its first recording was the eponymous New York Art Quartet (ESP Disk, 1964), with the original line-up of alto saxophonist John Tchicai, trombonist Roswell Rudd, bassist Lewis Worrell and drummer Milford Grave. It was a highly intense band that parlayed free jazz into stunning directions. Worrell left the band at the end of 1964 and was replaced by Reggie Workman who played on the second record, Mohawk (Fontana, 1965). ...

291
Album Review

New York Art Quartet: Old Stuff

Read "Old Stuff" reviewed by Troy Collins


Despite their involvement in the seminal 1964 October Revolution in Jazz concert series and a few high profile gigs in Europe the following year, the short-lived New York Art Quartet remains under-sung but legendary, with only two official studio recordings to its name--the self-titled 1964 ESP debut and Mohawk (Fontana, 1965). For years the only other commercially available document of the group was an unauthorized release of live radio broadcasts made in Hilversum, Netherlands in 1965, issued as Roswell Rudd ...

301
Album Review

New York Art Quartet: New York Art Quartet

Read "New York Art Quartet" reviewed by Clifford Allen


Alto saxophonist John Tchicai co-formed the New York Art Quartet in 1964 out of the ashes of the New York Contemporary Five. Enlisting trombonist Roswell Rudd (who arranged some of the latter group's book), the NYAQ was initially to include the Five's rhythm team of bassist Don Moore and drummer J.C. Moses. However, once drummer Milford Graves sat in, the group's pan-rhythmic die was cast. A number of bassists past through the ensemble in its short life -- in addition ...

166
Album Review

New York Art Quartet: 35th Reunion

Read "35th Reunion" reviewed by Mark Corroto


The Fluxus art happenings of the sixties are being recalled today by so many people “that were there,” that it is to laugh (ha ha). Like Fluxus, the free jazz loft scene was witnessed by too few. The music, with all its propulsive energy and (un)structure, was more of a rumored scene, then a music viewed by the thousands. Free jazz, like every great revolution in thought and art, passes before the masses or the critics, for that matter, catch ...

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1

TV / Film

Fundraising Campaign Launched To Support New Documentary On The NY Art Quartet

Fundraising Campaign Launched To Support New Documentary On The NY Art Quartet

Source: alan roth

Alan Roth, filmmaker and director of the new documentary about the New York Art Quartet, has just launched a final fundraising campaign on Kickstarter to complete this feature-length documentary. The film is entitled: The Breath Courses Through Us. Roth explained: “I believe this is one of the more important documentaries on jazz musicians, especially the under-represented history of the early 60’s jazz avant-garde. And this film is a more personal look at five great artists, the late John Tchicai (saxophone), ...

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Recording

New York Art Quartet - Old Stuff (Cuneiform)

New York Art Quartet - Old Stuff (Cuneiform)

Source: Master of a Small House

The title of this timely compilation is a true statement at face: Nearly half a century has passed since the sounds were ensconced on tape. Even so, sitting down with the disc yields the pleasing realization there's next to nothing in the way of dust draping the music. The New York Art Quartet was at once of and ahead of their time. They directly put to pasture the notion popular in some circles that New Thing players placed instrumental prowess ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

call it art

Stash Records
2013

buy

Old Stuff

Cuneiform Records
2010

buy

35th Reunion

Izuma Records
2000

buy

New York Art Quartet

Stash Records
1965

buy

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