4 Horns & What?
4 Horn Lore
Open Minds 2413
featuring:
Ellery Eskelin, tenor saxophone; Andy Laster, flute, alto/baritone saxophones; Paul Smoker, trumpet; Herb Robertson, multi-brass
4 HORN LORE
certainly makes the list of top 10 recordings I’ve been associated with
A sequel worthy of our debut plus a personal triumph as a composer / arranger
~ Phil
WHEN
I first considered forming a second band in late 1986, I was trying to reconcile an interesting set of aesthetics: I wanted a band that could play most situations without amplification; a band that would whisper one moment and raise the roof the next; an ensemble built around the intimate dialogue of a good duet; a small group with wide instrumental color; a big band inspired contrapuntal ability and a format where I would be challenged to assume equality with the front line. The prospect of combining two brass players, two saxophonists & drums became the irresistible solution.
4 Horns & What? utilizes the African concept of direct conversational interplay between rhythm and melody. By excluding other rhythm section players, the intimacy of the drum/horn dialogue becomes the norm. In this format, harmony returns to its polyphonic roots as an extension of the collective blowing. The result is a wide-open, acoustic, improviser’s band, where everyone shares equal responsibility for solos, accompaniment, and timekeeping.
~ Phil Haynes
“. . . belligerent . . . polished . . .
bits of brass band music . . . jazz . . . chamber music . . .
free improvisation,with piles of [4 Horns & What?] sound heaped on each other,
writhing . . .”
– Peter Watrous, The New York Times
Adrienne’s JazzMarchRag
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC0QHY2VOoY&feature=youtu.be
Phantoms
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIPQdnjvvN8&feature=youtu.be