The Common Quartet

The Common Quartet: The Hive

by Dan McClenaghan
November 14, 2016

The first spin of any particular recording is more often than not a cursory affair, a listening experience done without undivided attention; and The Hive, by the Brooklyn-based Common Quartet, under these conditions, seemed to have a West Coast cool jazz vibe. And saxophonist Seth Trachy brought Paul Desmond, of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, to mind, even though he's on tenor, versus Desmond's alto. That may or may not be an accurate first impression (though it lingers). The important thing ...