Masterclass by the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet
The 29th street saxophone quartet consists of Bobby Watson and Ed Jackson on alto saxophone, Willie Williams on tenor sax and Jim Hartog on the baritone sax. They gave an inspiring master class in an intimate atmosphere, followed and interrupted by a lot of music.
The 29th street saxophone quartet was founded in 1982 in New York. Ever since, the quartet has made a name within the jazz world. Pieces of the quartet are being played by other saxophone quartets all over the world.
Since the formation, only the tenor Rich Rottenberg has been replaced by Willie Williams in 2000. The gentlemen are perfectly tuned in on each other. It is not possible, to quickly find a stand in if one of the members cannot be present. Once, during a show, Bobby Watson, former band leader of Art Blakey's jazz messengers - was being substituted by another alto player. Unfortunately, this was no success; it turned out that the stand- in (Kenny Garrett) was not enough tuned in with the other gentlemen. After that, never again did the band play with substitutes.
On the evening of the master class, the quartet played in the Bimhuis, which was completely sold out. During the concert, the saxophone of Ed Jackson broke down. Friso of Amsterdam Winds had to repair the instrument right away on stage. This was all broadcast by the VRPO radio and can be heard here.
