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

MONDAY: May 9 (7-9PM) – Doug Webb Quartet in concert at Saxquest

TUESDAY: May 10 (6:30-8:30PM) – Doug Webb featured guest artist with the Saxquest Jazz Orchestra at The Tavern of Fine Arts

This king of macho burning harkens back to the days when Sonny Stitt locked horns with Gene Ammons and Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis. There’s a competitive edge to this hard-driving fare that is exhilarating. – Down Beat Magazine

Its a huge honor for us at Saxquest to host one of today’s great saxophone talents. Doug Webb received a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music. In addition to being his own bandleader, he is featured on hundreds of recordings for artists including Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Sal Marquez, Stanley Clarke, Brian Bromberg, Quincy Jones, Mat Marucci, Bobby Caldwell, Kyle Eastwood, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Queen Latifah and Cher. He played for fifteen years with the Doc Severinsen Tonight Show Big Band. He played with the house band for the Dennis Miller TV show, the Jimmy Cleveland orchestra and continues to tour with the Doc Severinsen big band. He has recorded music for hundreds of movies and television programs, including playing for the Family Guy orchestra, the Dancing with the Starts Orchestra and soprano saxophone for the Law and Order theme song. He solos on the sound track for Million Dollar Baby and Gran Torino.

Webb has recorded several tremendous and hard hitting records over the past few years for Posi-Tone Records. His intense melodicism and powerful saxophone tone are instantly recognizable as is his emotional performances. His music continues to boldly proclaim that he’s certainly a saxophonist that demands attention.You’ll want to check out his latest, Back East, Triple Play, Another Scene, and Swing Shift.

This is one of my most thrilling announcements ever. We’re super excited to be hosting Dave Liebman and his quintet, Expansions, this Saturday (4/23). Dave will be leading a clinic/performance with the entire quintet at the Saxquest shop from 2-4PM and then we’re also sponsoring his evening’s performance at Jazz at the Bistro with sets at 7:30PM and 9:30PM. This is a truly a unique opportunity to hear one of today’s real living legends. As the saxophone/flautist in both the Elvin Jones and Miles Davis Groups of the late 60’s/early 70’s and having played along side other legends such as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, McCoy Tyner and others, Dave represents a direct link to the masters who came before. However, he has not stayed there, he continues to push the musical jazz envelope, just as his mentors did in their day.

Liebman is among the most important saxophonists in contemporary music . . a leader and artist of integrity and independent direction. Downbeat Magazine

While others of his ‘60s generation have fallen off their ambition, Liebman has remained dogged about composition and trying different styles…he’s a fighter. Ben Ratliff-NY Times

Lieb discography is mind-blowing as he has played on over 500 hundred recordings with over two hundred under his leadership or co-leadership. In jazz education he is a renowned lecturer and author of several milestone books: Self Portrait Of A Jazz Artist, A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody, Developing A Personal Saxophone Sound, in addition to teaching DVDs, journalistic contributions to periodicals and published chamber music. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ) existing since 1989. Awards include (Jazz Educators Network Legend of Jazz (2013); National Endowment of the Arts Masters of Jazz (2011); the Order of Arts and Letters (France 2009); Jazz Journalist’s award for Soprano Saxophone (2007); Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Solo (1998); Honorary Doctorate from the Sibelius Academy (Finland-1997). He is currently Artist in Residence at the Manhattan School of Music and has consistently placed in the top three places for Soprano Saxophone in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll since 1973, winning first place in both the Downbeat and Jazz Times Critic’s Poll in both 2011 and 2012.

With his quintet Expansions, Lieb is continuing the time worn tradition of master/apprentice as he experienced in the 1970’s being a member of groups lead by former Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones and the legendary Miles Davis. By reaching across generations, Lieb gains insight into the new directions that jazz has taken while offering these younger artists his experience and knowledge. “EXPANSIONS” features the up and coming pianist Bobby Avey, reedman Matt Vashlishan, drummer Alex Ritz while continuing his several decades relationship with bassist Tony Marino.

This performance/clinic is in part supported by Buffet Group and Keilwerth saxophones. We’ve enjoyed dealing in Keilwerth and Buffet high-end woodwinds over the past few years and will have one of the new Liebman Signature soprano saxes here for anyone interested in checking it out.

I can’t emphasize enough how amazing both the Saxquest clinic and the Bistro performances will be. I encourage you all to come check out as much of it as you can. Its doubtful this opportunity will present itself again anytime soon. I hope to see you on Saturday!!!

Also mark your calendar:
Saturday Apr 30 – 2PM-4PM – WILL & PETER ANDERSEN
Saturday May 21 – 2PM-4PM – New Third Stream Saxophone Quartet
Saturday May 28 – 2PM-4PM – PEDROSAXO & Derek Brown
Saturday July 16 – 2PM-4PM – Jason DuMars saxophone history & engraving clinic

Saxquest is thrilled to host a FREE recital/clinic at the shop this Saturday with saxophonist and Yamaha Artist, Rahsaan Barber (Saturday April 9 at 2PM). Rahsaan will be performing with a local rhythm section.

Rahsaan Barber proves to be a talented musician who possesses the fire of John Coltrane, the soul of Stanley Turrentine, the spirit of his namesake, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and a sound that’s all his own. – All About Jazz, Dan Bilawksy

Since earning a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 2005, Rahsaan Barber has set out on a singular path of musical excellence in performance, composition, education, and entrepreneurship. Residing proudly in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, Rahsaan enjoys a career that encompasses performing and recording in an ever-expanding range of musical styles, including jazz, blues, funk, classical, fusion, soul, Latin, and world music.

Mr. Barber has performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages for music, including The Ryman, The Village Vanguard, Birdland, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. Rahsaan has joined the ranks of the nation’s rising jazz stars as the leader of his own instrumental band, Everyday Magic; co-leader of Latin-jazz septet El Movimiento; and the creator, bandleader, songwriter, and producer of emerging hip-hop, soul band The Megaphones. In addition, he has built a reputation as a standout jazz producer with the founding of his record label, Jazz Music City, in August of 2011. The label launched with the release of Everyday Magic, an album featuring Rahsaan’s Nashville-based quintet. The album was awarded the rare honor of Editor’s Pick by DownBeat Magazine, along with receiving high praise from both critics and audiences. Since the release of Everyday Magic, Rahsaan has become an in-demand producer for Nashville’s rising jazz artists.

This is a very unique event for Saxquest and one not to miss! Remember our enthusiasm to continue hosting these events is entirely dependent on your attendance!! I hope to see you out this Saturday. Please tell everyone you know.

Also mark your calendar:

Saturday Apr 23 – 2-4PM – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 23 – 7:30PM and 9:30PM sets at Jazz at the Bistro – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 30 – 2PM-4PM – WILL & PETER ANDERSEN
Saturday May 21 – 2PM-4PM – NEW HORIZON SAXOPHONE QUARTET
Saturday May 28 – 2-4PM – Pedrosaxo and Derek Brown – Extreme Saxophone x2

Saxquest address: 2114 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118

I welcome everyone out to Saxquest this Saturday March 26 from 1-2:30pm for a very special saxophone workshop with Adam Larson!!! Adam will be presenting a clinic on how to navigate chord changes in jazz improvisation. Joining Mr. Larson in this clinic will be Adam Maness on piano. This is a free event and open to the public.

Hailing from New York, Larson keeps an active schedule with his various groups and as a sideman performing and recording with a virtual who’s-who of jazz over the past several year. Released in January of 2013, Larson’s debut album “Simple Beauty” and Larson’s follow up album (released in September of 2013), entitled “Overdue Ovation”, have received high praise from critics. His latest record, “Selective Amnesia” was released on Inner Circle Music in 2015.

As a leader and sideman Adam has been part of several tours across the country and around the world, and also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician and master class presenter. Larson’s quartet was recently selected to tour on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s “American Music Abroad” program touring Africa for 35 days in April 2015.

Described by critic Howard Reich of The Chicago-Tribune as “a player for whom the word ‘prodigious’ was coined”, Larson was selected as a member of the inaugural Manhattan School of Music Jazz Institute where he completed his Master’s with honors and received the William H. Borden Award for outstanding performance in Jazz Performance in 2014.

Saxquest has been fortunate to know Adam for many years and to watch him develop his artistry. He has become a top national-level jazz artist in every sense of the phrase. Audiences are blown away by his technical facility and creativity.

Adam endorses P. Mauriat saxophones and we’d like to thank them for helping put this together. Please come out for some great music!!

Also mark your calendar:
Saturday Apr 9 – 2-4PM – RAHSAAN BARBER
​Saturday Apr 23 – 2-4PM – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 23 – 7:30PM and 9:30PM sets at Jazz at the Bistro – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 30 – 2PM-4PM – WILL & PETER ANDERSEN
Saturday May 21 – 2PM-4PM – New Horizon Saxophone Quartet

Saxquest address: 2114 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118

Saxquest is thrilled to host a FREE clinic/performance at the shop this Thursday evening with Selmer Paris and Vandoren artist, Mark Colby (Thursday March 24 from 7-9PM). Mark will be playing with an all-star local St. Louis rhythm section (Adam Maness – pn, Willem von Hombract – bass, Tony Barbata – dr). Colby has an amazing voice on the tenor sax and is one of the country’s leading stylists on the instrument.

YOU WANT TO SEE THIS SHOW!!! TRUST ME!!!

“I’ve been listenting to Mark Colby for twenty years, and I’ve seen him grow into a master of the saxophone and master of the music he plays.” – Stan Getz

Born in Brooklyn in the late 40’s, Mark comes from a musical family and was immersed an early age in the sounds of bebop, cool and hard-bop jazz.He began his professional career at the age of 14 playing with the likes of Ira Sullivan, Tony Bennett, Sonny and Sher, Sammy Davis Jr. to name a few. He received a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Miami where he worked with legendary baritone sax player Gerry Mulligan and recorded with Dr. John, Wilson Pickett, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, and the Bee Gees. After graduating, Mark hit the road with Maynard Ferguson in the early 70’s. After three albums (including Primal Scream) and three years touring as featured soloist and musical director, Bob James beckoned, and he became of member of the “James gang.” Mark signed onto Columbia Records, and began his solo career recording “Serpentine Fire” and “One Good Turn”. Mark’s tours with Maynard and Bob found him playing jazz festivals and concert halls around the world.

In 1980, Mark moved to Chicago, with its very active music scene and was soon approached by DePaul University to assume a teaching position as jazz saxophone instructor. He’s still there, and in 1998 also joined the faculty at Elmhurst College.

In the ensuing years, he has played and in some cases toured with such varied luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Jaco Pastorius, Mose Allison, Joe Williams and Charlie Haden. He has continued to record as both a leader and sideman as well as perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 2008 he performed Leonard Bernstein’s “Prelude, Fugue and Riffs.” In 1999, Hallway Records released “Reunion” (with Vince Maggio) followed by “Tenor Reference” in 2002, to glowing reviews and appreciative audiences. His last release on Hallway Records was a tribute to Stan Getz entitled Speaking of Stan, which was released in 2006 and went to #3 on the jazz radio charts. His CD on Origin Records, “Reflections” was released in November 2008 where the studio date was dedicated to his father, “who started me on my journey at age eight,” and to one of Colby’s earliest role models, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin and Stan Getz. In 2010 Mark was one of the people interviewed with his own chapter in Cicily Janus’s new book entitled “The New Faces of Jazz” published by Billboard Press. His latest album was released on RCI late in 2011 called Yesterday’s Gardenias.

Also mark your calendar:
Saturday March 26 – 2-4PM – ADAM LARSON QUARTET
Saturday Apr 9 – 2-4PM – RAHSAAN BARBER
​Saturday Apr 23 – 2-4PM – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 23 – 7:30PM and 9:30PM sets at Jazz at the Bistro – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 30 – 2PM-4PM – WILL & PETER ANDERSEN
Saturday May 21 – 2PM-4PM – New Horizon Saxophone Quartet

We’re excited to announce our first event of the 2016 Saxquest concert/clinic series. This Thursday evening from 5-7PM (February 25) we’re delighted to welcome Dan Thomas to the Saxquest shop. Dan will be giving an improvisation clinic. Feel free to bring your instrument or just come hang and absorb as much information as you can. Dan is a wealth of knowledge and gives a great clinic! This is an amazing opportunity to sit in one-on-one with one of the country’s top jazz educators.

This event is free and open to the public. Dan Thomas is a highly acclaimed instructor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he teaches applied jazz studies, jazz improv, jazz history, jazz pedagogy, jazz combo, and the jazz band alongside the legendary Bobby Watson. He is a dedicated performer, both in the local Kansas City scene, as well as throughout the USA and Canada. Before coming to KC, he was a regular on the west coast jazz scene. He also keeps busy as a frequent clinician and guest artist throughout the United States. We hope you can make it out for a great evening of learning and music!

Also mark your calendar:
Saturday Apr 2 – 2PM-4PM – Scott Airforce Base jazz combo
Saturday Apr 23 – 7:30PM and 9:30PM sets at Jazz at the Bistro – DAVID LIEBMAN
Saturday Apr 30 – 2PM-4PM – WILL & PETER ANDERSEN
Saturday May 21 – 2PM-4PM – New Horizon Saxophone Quartet