Matt Anderson Quartet Old

Matt Anderson Quartet

Matt Anderson – Tenor Saxophone

Aubin Vanns – Electric Guitar

John Marley – Double-Bass

Sam Gardner – Drums

The Matt Anderson Quartet possesses a unified ensemble sound and shared musical vision only possible through years of regular playing together. Following their 2011 regional tour supported by Jazz Yorkshire and attracting the acclaim of audiences and promoters across the area, the Leeds-based foursome have cemented their reputation as one of the most exciting contemporary jazz ensembles in the North of England.

The quartet in its current form was set up by Jazz Yorkshire ‘Futures’ saxophonist Matt Anderson in 2010 following his graduation from Leeds College of Music. In the same year, Matt was awarded ‘Young Musician of the Year’ at the Jazz Yorkshire Awards. His writing for the group was recently described as ‘smooth and fluid, with a contemporary twist,’ whilst his playing has been hailed as ‘relaxed and elegant.’ (The Leeds Guide)

Matt’s spacious and malleable compositions provide the perfect backdrop for the searching, flowing drumming of Sam Gardner and virtuosic guitar playing of Aubin Vanns. John Marley, one of the busiest bass players in the U.K., keeps the group thoroughly anchored during even their most intense moments.

Matt Anderson Quartet

Recent performances have included such high-profile venues as Wakefield Jazz, The Spin Off, Charlie Wright’s, Matt n’ Phreds, The Yardbird, Scarborough Jazz Festival 2011 (main stage), the 7arts Centre and many more, and the band is looking forward to an extensive U.K. tour in May 2012.

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“a good set with Anderson blowing some nice tenor and impressing with his compositions”

“melodic standards and original tunes… impressive throughout” JazzUK

“a fine example of where it’s at… Recommended”

“tasty playing”

“contemporary, original, yet still based on those vital ingredients – harmony, melody and rhythm all knit sympathetically together.” Lance Liddle, bebopspokenhere.blogspot.com

“thoroughly enjoyable” Allaboutjazz.com

“smooth and fluid with a contemporary twist”

“Relaxed and elegant, but with wholehearted conviction.” The Leeds Guide

“Play[s] with a maturity surprising in one so young.” Mike Gordon,ScarboroughJazz

“[Matt’s] playing and writing are both sophisticated and fluent.” Chris de Saram, Wakefield Jazz

“Nice to hear a project develop and seen through, with good playing and a nice sound.” Stan Sulzmann

“cool, spacey dynamic… a compelling programme”

“rewarding” Ron Burnett, York Press

“a bold and ambitious work… His compositional ideas are good and his tenor sound warm” Lance Liddle, bebopspokenhere.blogspot.com