I welcome everyone out to Saxquest this Saturday May 21 from 2-4pm for a very special saxophone performance with The New Third Stream Quartet!!! These guys will blow your mind. If you love the saxophone, MAKE SURE YOU GET DOWN HERE!! The New Third Stream Quartet performs new music that combines the rhythmic and improvisatory language of jazz with elements of modern chamber composition. The energy and flexibility of jazz improvisation is balanced with the rich harmonic and timbral colors of 21st century chamber music. To get the New Third Stream Quartet to St. Louis is a really big deal! Please remember that our motivation to host these unique concerts directly correlates with the number of people who come out to see them. I hope to see you out this Saturday. As always, this is a free event and open to the public.
The quartet’s repertoire consists entirely of commissioned works and the ensemble is dedicated to encouraging composers to unite jazz and classical styles. Check out their music on their latest Teal Creek Music recording One For Four.
The quartet is composed of highly accomplished jazz and classical saxophonists, and their performances focus on achieving the same level of precision and communication that can be found in traditional saxophone quartets. Members include:
Rick VanMatre -soprano saxophone
James Bunte – alto saxophone
Peter Sommer – tenor saxophone
James Romain – bari saxophone
Rick VanMatre is Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the conservatory’s former Director of Jazz Studies. He’s one of the most exploratory saxophonists in the world of jazz and classical music and has presented solo recitals and jazz club performances in the US, Europe, Israel, Brazil, and Asia. He is widely recognized for bringing a unique, identifiable voice to a variety of genres. He has performed with such diverse ensembles as the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Mercer Ellington, the Woody Herman Orchestra led by Frank Tiberi, Roland Vazquez’s contemporary Latin groups, and artists like John McNeil, Tim Hagans, and Gene Bertoncini.
VanMatre’s art is without comparison; his technique exact, yet smooth, his expression poignant and personal… – Chicago Star
As a classical saxophonist, he has recorded interactive drama/music videos with composer/bassist Frank Proto, has appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, concert:nova, and James Conlon’s Linton Series, and has been a concerto soloist with the New York Repertory Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Sichuan Symphony Orchestra (China), Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, Middletown Symphony, and Illinois Philharmonic. He holds the soprano chair in the New Third Stream Saxophone Quartet.
Mr. VanMatre is an endorsing artist for Selmer Saxophones.
James Bunte is currently Associate Professor of Saxophone and Division Head at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. As a concert saxophonist, Bunte is an active recitalist, giving recitals and master classes throughout the United States, France, Thailand, Scotland, Japan, and Taiwan.
Dr. Bunte is the regular saxophonist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Lyrique en Mer Orchestra (France), Dayton Philharmonic, Lexington Philharmonic, Louisville Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Richmond Symphony (IN), Kentucky Symphony, Springfield Symphony (OH) and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
Dr. Bunte is also an experienced jazz musician, having toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and having performed with Ray Charles, Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, Dick Hyman, Byron Stripling, John Pizzarelli, Stefan Carlsson, Cook, Dixon and Young, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Bunte has been on the faculty at the University of Oregon, Miami University (OH) and Northern Kentucky University, but he also has public school experience at a Kentucky high school.
James Bunte is a Yamaha and D’Addario Endorsing Artist.
Peter Sommer is Associate Professor of Jazz Studies and Saxophone at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins. He continues to contribute his energetic tenor playing and creative spirit to a wide variety of musical projects ranging from mainstream bebop to avant garde and beyond at venues across the nation and around the world. Peter has released three albums as a leader – Sioux County (2006) on Tapestry Records, featuring his original compositions in duo with jazz piano legend Art lande, Crossroads (2008) on Capri Records, featuring a two-tenor frontline with the great NYC saxophonist Rich Perry, and Tremolo Canteen (2010) on Dazzle Recordings.
(Sommer) is the possessor of a dark, gritty sound, clean, fast technique, melodic ideas and a true understanding of the post-bebop style. – May 2009 Saxophone Journal
In addition to being an active mainstay in the jazz world, performing in more groups than can be counted, both as a sideman and as a leader, Peter has performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
James Romain serves as Professor of Saxophone and Associate Director of Jazz Studies at Drake University. He embraces diverse genres of music and is active regionally, nationally, and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, clinician, and jazz performer. Dr. Romain actively contributes to the growing body of compositions and pedagogical literature for the instrument through his pursuit of commissions, recording projects, and published articles. He has firmly established a national and international reputation as a committed advocate for new music, with 22 commissions, co-commissions, and dedications written, performed, and recorded as a direct result of his efforts.
James Romain is a superb performer on saxophone with a bright, clear, and resonant sound that is not often heard. His interpretive skills are the equal of his saxophone technique, giving the listener a rare treat of a consummate performer. Every aspect of his playing is to be greatly applauded. – Saxophone Journal Vol. 34/No 3 (Jan/Feb 2010)
James Romain is a Selmer and D’Addario Endorsing Artist.
Also mark your calendar:
Sat May 28 – 2-4PM: PEDROSAXO and DEREK BROWN – Extreme Saxophone x2
Tues June 14 – 6:30-8:30PM – DOUG LAWRENCE with the Saxquest Jazz Orchestra (at Tavern of Fine Arts)
Wed June 15 – 5-7PM – DOUG LAWRENCE
Sat July 9 – 2PM-4PM – JEFF COLLINS & JESSICA KNOPF duet
Sat July 16 – 2PM-4PM – ED CALLE
Saxquest address: 2114 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118
Tavern of Fine Arts address: 313 Belt Ave, St. Louis, MO 63112