PULLMAN, Wash. — The critically acclaimed Acoustic Jazz Quartet from Los
Angeles will present a Sept. 19 concert in Washington State University’s
Kimbrough Concert Hall. The 8 p.m. program is open to the public without
charge.
Consisting of saxophone, guitar, bass and drums, the quartet approaches the
traditional quartet format from a new perspective, said Gregory Yasinitsky,
director of jazz studies at WSU.
One of the co-leaders of the group is bassist Zac Matthews, who earned his
undergraduate music degree at WSU. After graduating from WSU, Matthews
established himself in Los Angeles, where he regularly performs and records
with the top names in the jazz world. Don Heckman of the L.A. Times wrote,
“Matthews, who co-leads the group, played several athletic solos clearly
defining his technical virtuosity.”
The group’s self-titled compact disc was released worldwide by Naxos Jazz
Records to critical acclaim. Chris Parker of The Times of London, England
wrote, “The blend of saxophone and guitar is a beguiling one and the Acoustic
Jazz Quartet exploit it with great skill.”
Bill Kohlhaase of the L.A. Weekly selected the CD as his “Jazz Pick of the
Week” and wrote, “the group, by the sound of the album, shares a vision of
swing, taste and execution.”
The quartet also includes guitarist Jamie Findlay, co-leader with Matthews;
saxophonist David Sills, who was chosen as a L.A. Times “Best Bet”; and
drummer Dean Koba. All of the quartet members have extensive professional
credentials. They have performed with the likes of Don Menza, Pete Christlieb,
Marcus Printup, Bill Watrous, Henry Mancini, Bobby Shew, Bud Shank and
many more.
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