MSQ – Discography

Four of a Kind

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Graphic Design by Esther Wu buynow buynow

Recorded live in concert, the quartet's latest album features new compositions and arrangements from Gary Lindsay, including Lost (and Found), Don't Look Back, Prelude-Invention-Suspension, and Sweet Bread, along with newly recorded versions of MSQ classics It's a Raggy Waltz and Early Autumn. Ed Calle contributes his unique and funky arrangement of Twinkle Twinkle (must be heard!).

Guests on this CD include the usual suspects: JimGasior (piano), Chuck Bergeron (bass), John Yarling (drums). Our very special guests Brian Lynch (trumpet) and Svet Stoyanov (marimba and vibraphone) make their MSQ record debuts. Available at www.cdbaby.com (link at left)) and of course amazon.com, as well as iTunes and most other digital music outlets.

“[Lindsay’s] fresh horn motifs and lyrical alterations never lose sight of the original melody, and neither do the heartfelt and persuasive examinations by Brignola, Gasior, Keller, and finally Calle, whose preaching, bristling tenor raises the roof.

Scott Albin, Jazz Times

Scott has selected “Four of a Kind for his list of top jazz Cds  for 2013: http://jazztimes.com/community/articles

"If saxophone is your favorite instrument when it comes to jazz – you’re already a winner with this excellent CD. Gary Keller (soprano), Gary Lindsay (alto), Ed Calle (tenor) and Mike Brignola (baritone) all join to give you a most memorable (& pleasurable) musical experience on this 8-song excursion. I especially enjoyed “Don’t Look Back“, probably because it’s an original (the baritone solo helped a lot, too)! My personal favorite on the CD was another original titled “Prelude-Invention-Suspension“… epic, clocking in at 10:17 worth of total creativity. I give these four aces a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at the Miami Sax Quartet site. Rotcod Zzaj improvisajazzation nation

"The resulting large ensemble is fleet on their feet as they swing through eight tunes; four are Lindsay originals complimenting four freshly arranged classics. The solos are what make this one sizzle and they are plentiful!  You can feel the live energy on Four of A Kind!"  D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Magazine "Their music is intelligent, but intelligent doesn’t mean sterile. It doesn’t mean stuffy. They can wail with the best of them."

Jack Goodstein, Blogcritics.org

 Fourtified

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Our most popular recording to date, this "Fourtified" version of the Miami Sax Quartet features special guests Richard Bravo, Lee Levin, Dan Warner, Mike Harvey, Chuck Bergeron, Jim Gasior, and the Bergonzi String Quartet. Two Lindsay arrangements of Brubeck tunes Blue Rondo a La Turk and It's a Raggy Waltz propelledFourtified to #14 on the Jazz Week charts shortly after relaese. Lindsay's arrangement of Ron Miller's Seventh Sign is also a popular single download. The CD also features two Calle originals:Spunky and Dancing on a Cloud, and the Paquito Rivera original "Wapango"  An extra special piece on this recording is Lindsay'sJazz Suite for Double Quartet, featuring the Miami Sax Quartet and the Bergonzi String Quartet side by side.  Now in stock for immediate delivery at our preferred outlet CDbaby.com or onamazon.com.  Also available on iTunes, and most other digital distribution outlets!

      "In a word, the members of a [saxophone quartet] have to be serious if they actually want to get a sound.  The members of the MSQ are serious musicians.  ...Keller, Lindsay, and Brignola handle solos with aplomb...Calle explores from the depths to the heights and everything in between....  all of the cats are obviously having a great time playing this joyous music, a serious business indeed."

Billy Kerr, Saxophone Journal

     "The saxes are the drawing card here and they never fail to please, individually or collectively. The interplay is often breathtaking.  ...an album that is as persuasive as it is stylish and engaging."

Jack Bowers, AllAboutJazz (read entire review)

Midnight Rumba

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Featuring special guests Arturo Sandoval and Jon Secada, and Ed Calle's arrangement of Jon's hit song Angel (voice, four saxophones, and trumpet). Our all-star Latin percussion section of Lee Levin, Richard Bravo, and Luis Gonzales helps out on Ed's Rice and Beans and Gary Lindsay's arrangement of A Night In Tunisia for Arturo and the quartet. Bassist Chuck Bergeron joins in on Con Alma. Also featured is Ed's newest composition The Iberia Suite and Gary's arrangement of James' Taylor's Benjamin.

"Another well-earned triumph for the MSQ, which stares down these formidable charts without uneasiness or pause and handily nails every note. For lovers of the saxophone quartet, a rich and flavorful banquet."
Jack Bowers, allaboutjazz.com

"...as one might expect, the results are simply dazzling ..Another magnificent work by the MSQ on a project that continues to offer creative and stimulating varieties of balance, tone color and shades."
Steve Frattalone, Jazz Connection Magazine

Midnight Rumba was honored by syndicated jazz DJ Bob Parlocha's top 40 list.

Miami Saxophone Quartet Live

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"Miami Saxophone Quartet Live" features an eclectic mix of pop, jazz, Latin, and R&B, all tied together by the group's signature sound and six of Gary Lindsay's award winning arrangements. The four saxophones are joined by special guests Richard Bravo (Latin percussion), Phillip Strange (piano), Chuck Bergeron (bass), and David Hardman (drums). An audiophile quality recording of a tight, creative performance with a great "live vibe." One of Jim Wilke's (Jazz After Hours) top picks of 2003. A great CD to discover the unique sound of the Miami Saxophone Quartet!

"The MSQ is very much into rich tonal colors and intricate harmonic schemes interlaced with suitable improvisations. There's nothing on this well-designed and superbly performed concert date that is less than rewarding. If saxophone quartets push your button or light your fire, you can't go wrong with this one."
Jack Bowers, allaboutjazz.com (read entire review)

"When I first heard the Miami Saxophone Quartet's 2002 debut album, Take Four Giant Steps, I was knocked out by their sound. Hearing their new release, Live! (Fourtitude Records), I'm more than Knocked out. I feel like I'm in the presence of the Divine.."
Stephen Fratallone, Jazz Connection Magazine

"Hugely gifted sax men Gary Keller, Gary Lindsay, Ed Calle and Mike Brignola follow last year's extraordinary Take Four Giant Steps CD with this live session recorded at the University of Miami's Gusman Hall and guest-starring area talents such as pianist Phil Strange and bassist Chuck Bergeron. Lindsay once again takes top honors for his stellar arrangements of tunes ranging from Pat Metheny's Sunlight to Thad Jones' A Child Is Born. A brilliant reprise of John Coltrane's Giant Steps is worth the purchase price alone."
Bob Weinberg, Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel/City Link

"Beautiful arrangements and playing on all!"
Jim Wilke, Jazz After Hours (Public Radio International)

Miami Saxophone Quartet Live is on Jim Wilke's list of Best Jazz CDs of 2003

Take Four Giant Steps

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The quartet's debut album, TAKE FOUR GIANT STEPS, was one of Bob Parlocha's Top 25 New Releases in October 2002 and and on Jim Wilke's list of best jazz CDs of 2002. The recording has been heralded by critics and fans as one of the most unique and refreshing saxophone quartet recordings to be released in years. Jazz oriented chamber music in a multitude of styles and grooves with a unity of ensemble and quality of improvisation seldom seen in the same package. Read what the critics have said:

"The quartet's open and fervent approach is felt on every composition as each musician performs through complex arrangements with tight interplay. John Coltrane's classic jazz piece "Giant Steps"... is uniquely recreated with multiple horn lines and impressive solos. The horns are always lush and probing, conveying oneness.. an awe-inspiring rendition of "America the Beautiful" ... saxophone nirvana."
Mark F Turner, allaboutjazz.com (click here for entire review)

"Phrasing, shaping, and contrast are paramount here, and the performance is varied and powerful. I truly enjoyed this CD."
Bob Mintzer

"....the art of the Miami Saxophone Quartet was divine."
Javier Ortiz, allaboutJazz.com (click here for entire review)

"This is the hottest group to surface lately from the mix that is the Miami music scene. Each concert is a 'tour de sax.'"
John E. Brown, Biscayne Bay Tribune