Quinsin Nachoff's Magic Numbers ensemble features an exciting blend of classical music and jazz influence with its unusual instrumentation of string quartet, saxophone, bass and drums. Shimmering sonic landscapes travel through a diverse mixture of moods and colours while a delicate balance is achieved between improvisational elements and compositional forms. Encompassing a wide range in dynamics and atmospheres, the music can move from melancholy and introspective to vibrant and aggressive, but is always exhilarating and imaginative. The debut CD was released in 2006 on the Songlines label, featuring Jim Black (drums), Mark Helias (Bass) and a string quartet led by Nathalie Bonin (violin).
"Quinsin Nachoff may be a relative unknown, but Magic Numbers should change all that."
--Troy Collins, AllAboutJazz.com full review (AllAboutJazz.com)"…one of the most innovative chamber jazz recordings in recent years."
--John Kelman, AllAboutJazz.com full review (PDF)"…one of Canada’s leading saxophone innovators…"
--Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star full review (PDF)"…amazed by ambitious ideas and writing."
--Bruce Gallenter, Downtown Music Gallery NYC full review (PDF)"But at all points on the album, Nachoff's ability to write engagingly and
insightfully for strings is jaw-droppingly impressive, and his overall
achievement on this album is equally so."
--Rick Anderson, All Music Guide full review (allmusic.com)"…a distinctive sound that can’t yet be categorized.
…quite sophisticated…inspired technique."
--Ty Cumbie, AllAboutJazz NYC full review (PDF)
Listen...
-
To Solar Piazza 1:43
-
How Post-Modern Of Me 2:05
-
October 2:13
Quinsin Nachoff - saxophones
Mark Helias - bass
Jim Black - drums
Nathalie Bonin - violin
Noémi Racine Gaudreault - violin
Jean René - viola
Julie Trudeau - cello
