Epirus Quartet

(4.5/5 star review)

Epirus Quartet is based in Austin, Texas, but takes its name from a region of Greece—hence, perhaps, the decision to name its debut album Transatlantic. The recording is released as a limited edition, high-quality, vinyl album (it's also available as a download)—the format lends itself superbly to the quartet's brand of danceable, organ-led music.

With jazz at its core, the quartet's music features strong elements of funk and soul, with more than a few hints of Afrobeat and middle eastern music. The funk and soul come courtesy in particular of Nikolas Bouklas' tenor sax and Nate Basinger's organ. The band's powerful rhythms are provided by bassist Brad Houser and drummer Michael Ingber. Put a couple of guest appearances from guitarist Adrian Quesada and baritone saxophonist Ryan Allen into the mix and the result is a totally enjoyable musical experience.

While Transatlantic is characterised by the strong grooves of tunes like "Epirus' Clave," the band's musical range is wide and varied. Bouklas' flute features on "Fried Feta," alongside Basinger's funky organ. Is the tune as cheesy as the title suggests? Nope—this is a tight, groovy, chunk of '60s soul jazz. "Spirit Of" has the strongest middle eastern influence, the groove anchored by House's bass and heightened by Bouklas' tenor sax. "Sane" is, by contrast, a solid slab of heavy funk: wailing baritone sax, low down bass, fat organ chords (and a spot of flute) delivering the sort of music that'll keep dancers grinning and grinners dancing all night long.

The sheer might of the quartet is showcased by "Soundwaves," a tough, hard-hitting tune that mixes Afrobeat and funk in irresistible fashion, the quartet given extra punch by Allen's baritone and Ingber's powerhouse drums. "Goodbye My Friends" is the album's left-field tune. Loose, slow, centered on Bouklas' lazy, late-night, tenor and with a touch of the valedictory sadness hinted at by the title—still danceable, though, albeit as the evening's last waltz.

Co-produced by Bouklas and Quesada, Transatlantic sounds terrific. Warm and rich, it's a great advertisement for the continued existence of the vinyl record—and, of course, it's a great advertisement for the Epirus Quartet.
Track Listing: Never Right; Fried Feta; Sane; Goodbye My Friends; Soundwaves; Spirit Of; Epirus' Clave.

Personnel: Nikolas Bouklas: tenor saxophone, flute; Nate "Count" Basinger: organ; Brad House: bass; Michael Ingber: drums; Adrian Quesada: electric guitar (1, 5); Ryan Allen: baritone saxophone (3, 5).

Record Label: Fair Weather Friends - allaboutjazz.com

This breakbeat-heavy Jazz-Funk tune is one of my favorites and a taste of what you'll find on Epirus Quartet's “Transatlantic” LP. From slow paced Soul-Jazz to upbeat Funk and Afro-inspired grooves, this Austin band radiate rawness in music for an expressive approach and style driven by soulful sound, fusion and memorable improvisation.

The Band: Epirus Quartet (Texas, TX)

Nikolas Bouklas (tenor saxophone, flute)
Nate ‘Count’ Basinger (organ)
Brad Houser (bass guitar)
Michael Ingber (drums)

Appearing: Ryan Allen (baritone saxophone)
Adrian Quesada (electric guitar)

Composition: Nikolas Bouklas + Charalampos Tyropoulos

Engineered: Adrian Quesada + Sam Patlove @ Big Orange Studios

Mixed: Adrian Quesada @ Level One Studios

Mastered: Sam Patlove @ Fresh Up Studios

Produced: Adrian Quesada - collectorsitem

Diretamente de Austin, chega a banda Epirus Quartet com seu álbum de estréia “Transatlantic” que tem produção de Adrian Quesada, conhecido como cabeça de bandas e projetos como Brownout, Ocote Soul Sounds e Grupo Fantasma. O grupo é formado pelos músicos Nikolas Bouklas (sax tenor, flauta), Nate ‘Count’ Basinger (orgão), Brad Houser (baixo), Michael Ingber (bateria) e no álbum ainda contam com colaborações de Ryan Allen (sax barítono) e o próprio Quesada (guitarra). O disco traz sete temas instrumentais com foco no jazz e influências do afrobeat, soul, funk e muito improviso. Um belo presente para os seus ouvidos. Escutaê! - sopedradamusical