EN BAS QUARTET

“I formed En Bas Quartet because I wanted to play in an improvising string quartet. I’d long been interested in contemporary chamber music, and wanted to investigate that aesthetic in an improvised context. A “low” quartet also allows me to join in - the bass part in a quartet is usually taken by the cello - and write music for a chamber ensemble, with all the interaction and rhythmic subtlety they use. I find the parallel between a small jazz ensemble and a string quartet very interesting; both groups will stretch time, allow the music to breathe and pause, and find a way to play as a single unit. I chose three of the best string improvisers in the country to form the rest of the ensemble, and was lucky enough that they all agreed to take part in the project.” - Seth Bennett / Artist in Residence from www.lancasterjazz.com read more...