The Quartet, a monumental live recording by the renowned Peter Brötzmann, alongside John Edwards, Steve Noble, and Jason Adasiewicz, is a testament to the boundless energy and inventive spirit of free jazz. Released on 14 February 2025 via OTOROKU, this album captures the final concerts of the legendary German saxophonist, who passed away at the age of eighty-two, just four months after these performances at London's Cafe OTO in February 2023.
This album is a culmination of two nights of unbridled creativity, with the quartet delivering a relentlessly energetic and inventive set. The tracklist, comprising four parts, showcases the group's dynamic interplay and Brötzmann's characteristic intensity. Backed by Edwards' propulsive bass, Noble's explosive drums, and Adasiewicz's vibrant vibraphone, Brötzmann's saxophone soars, creating a truly immersive experience.
The Quartet is available in various formats, including a 2CD edition, a special edit version on 2LP, and a limited 4LP boxset edition, complete with artwork by Peter Brötzmann and UNTIET, and photographs by Dawid Laskowski. This boxset, limited to 250 copies, features nearly all the music performed over the two nights, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
With its roots firmly planted in European free jazz and avant-garde traditions, The Quartet is a poignant reminder of Brötzmann's enduring influence on the genre. This album serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy, capturing the essence of his final performances and cementing his status as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of his generation.
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