Quartet 1993 - 1st Set - Anthony Braxton

Album Description

Dive into the avant-garde jazz realm with Anthony Braxton's "Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993 - 1st Set," a captivating live recording that showcases the master saxophonist and composer at the height of his creative powers. Originally captured live at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, California, on July 19, 1993, this reissue on the esteemed hatOLOGY label brings fresh energy to Braxton's groundbreaking compositions.

The album features Braxton's iconic quartet, with Marilyn Crispell on piano, Mark Dresser on bass, and Gerry Hemingway on drums, delivering a powerful and innovative set of performances. The six compositions, each identified by Braxton's unique cataloging system, offer a deep dive into his signature free jazz and avant-garde styles. With a runtime of over an hour and sixteen minutes, the album provides ample space for the musicians to explore and improvise, resulting in a rich and textured listening experience.

"Quartet (Santa Cruz) 1993 - 1st Set" is a testament to Braxton's enduring influence in the world of jazz and experimental music. The album's reissue, complete with a new CD mastering, ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers can appreciate the raw energy and artistic vision of this historic performance. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or simply curious about the boundaries of musical expression, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

March 30, 2015

About Anthony Braxton

Anthony Braxton is a pioneering figure in the world of experimental and avant-garde jazz, renowned for his innovative compositions and virtuosic performances on a multitude of woodwind instruments, with a particular affinity for the saxophone. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Braxton's musical journey began with his involvement in the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), where he honed his skills and developed his unique musical philosophy. His groundbreaking 1969 album "For Alto," the first full-length solo saxophone record, catapulted him into the spotlight and established him as a trailblazer in the free jazz community.

Braxton's music is a complex tapestry that draws from a wide range of influences, blending Afrological traditions with experimental techniques. His compositions, often titled with diagrams rather than words, reflect his deep engagement with global creativity and humanity. As a multi-instrumentalist, he masterfully plays an array of saxophones, clarinets, and even the piano, showcasing his versatility and technical prowess.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Braxton is also a dedicated educator and music theorist, having developed his own unique musical system that celebrates innovation and artistic expression. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious NEA Jazz Master award in 2014. With a prolific discography and a relentless creative spirit, Anthony Braxton continues to inspire and challenge audiences, solidifying his status as one of the most important musicians of the past half-century.