Music
Press
... the wonderfully accessible swing, compelling Coleman (like) themes and interplay of these four is refreshing. The four musicians make equal use of the improvisational room, and there’s plenty to see and to experience. A evening full of surprises.” - Draai Om Je Oren
Two horns igniting with the finest rhythm section on the planet. No slavish repertory music here, no gimmicks, a salvation from the dreary shit promoted by the USAmerican mainstream. A new meaning to the description Hot Jazz. A wonderful version of "Beauty Is A Rare Thing" - Indeed it is. Thank you Eric, Ornette would love this band. - Downbeat
There is near-perfect synchronicity, tuneful joyousness, and a relaxed sense of swing that permeates nearly every measure. For those who enjoyed the late 1950s and early 1960s quartets of Ornette Coleman, the Eric Boeren 4tet should prove a worthy successor. - All Music Guide
Discography
Cross Breeding (BIMhuis 005, 1997)
Joy of a Toy (BV Haast 9907, 1999)
Soft Nose (BV Haast CD1501, 2001)
Photos
Bio
The Eric Boeren 4tet began by concentrating on the early quartet music of Ornette Coleman. That repertoire was ‘pulled off the record’ and was interspersed with Boeren’s own compositions. Over the years more and more original compositions have been added to the band’s repertoire.
The line-up of the Eric Boeren 4tet is comparable to that of the Ornette Coleman Quartet of the early sixties. The big difference between the two quartets is the way in which the material is handled. Whereas soloists alternated in the Coleman Quartet, in the Boeren 4tet all four musicians share the improvisational space on an equal basis. A collective vision, where musicians have the improvisational room to further develop the musical forms. The existing material suggests the personality and direction of those improvisations.
The compositions of Eric Boeren are deeply rooted in the jazz and blues tradition. They are characterized by strong, often jumpy melodies and unusual keys, which keeps the improvisers on their toes.
The quartet has played throughout Europe and completed successful tours of Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
A new album - Song For Tracy The Turtle, Live at Jazz Brugge - will be released in spring 2010 by CleanFeed.
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