recordings

With Laefer Quartet : Bandcamp link

"Whether the subject is geology, oceanography, meteorology or sociology, a stratum is a layer that is distinguished in some way from the layers below it and above it. Defined by these upper and lower boundaries – created through changes such as sedimentary deposits, sunlight penetration, atmospheric pressure or social class – a stratum can only be understood as such by digging, diving or ascending on a perpendicular axis. It’s that perpendicular movement that makes a stratum what it is, that identifies it as something different from what lies above or below. This debut CD by the Laefer Quartet is organised around a movement up through physical strata, from under the ground to the heavens above."

Tim Rutherford-Johnson, Strata Liner Notes

Naomi Sullivan - soprano saxophone 
Dom Childs - alto saxophone 
Michaela Stapleton - tenor saxophone 
Neil McGovern - baritone saxophone

"There really is something special about the sound of Syzygy; pure with immaculate intonation and a true ensemble blend, the individual players carefully shadowing the lead melodic line, wherever that might be in the quartet.
 The music on this CD does have a meditative and calming effect, even in louder sections, and credit to the Quartet for helping bring this music into the world, and for performing so exquisitely on this recording.
 Regardless of which type of music you choose to play as a saxophonist, and speaking as someone who has performed in a saxophone quartet for thirty years, I would urge you to buy this recording as the Syzygy Quartet transport us to a dark, beautiful and spiritual musical world, it’s as if we’re riding on the wings of angels!"  
Andy Scott, saxophonist and composer

Larry Zazzo - countertenor 
Simon Stewart - soprano saxophone 
Naomi Sullivan - alto saxophone 
Tom Law - tenor saxophone 
Katie Samways - baritone saxophone
 
"It's emphatically not a crossover gimmick, but a genuinely illuminating meeting of jazz and Renaissance traditions, and the expressive variety and rhythmic subtlety of Zazzo's singing is further proof of the growth of a considerable artist." 
The Daily Telegraph

"....it is intriguing to hear some tenderly realised polyphonic lines delineated by the Paragon Saxophone Quartet. Byrd’s “Lullaby” and Gibbon’s “The Silver Swan” get an attractive alternative life here. The saxophones play in a predominantly melancholic and soft way, although occasionally, as in the climax of Dowland’s “In darkness let me dwell”, they show more rasping timbres. “Ye sacred muses” (Byrd’s elegy to his deceased friend and teacher Tallis) and Purcell’s “If love’s a sweet passion” are perhaps the most successful fusions of ancient and modern. A rare example of successfully reinventing ‘early’ music" 
Gramaphone Magazine

NOW AVAILABLE ON BANDCAMP

https://kylehorch.bandcamp.com/album/flotilla

Kyle Horch - soprano and alto saxophones 
Naomi Sullivan - soprano and alto saxophones 
Andy Tweed - soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones 
Ali Parnell - alto and tenor saxophones, piano, synthesizer

“All saxophones and keyboards? Hard work? The chamber ensemble Flotilla banishes any such anxiety… This CD sparkles with energy and the playing is terrific.”  Fiona Maddocks
The Observer

"Razor-sharp ensemble, immaculate voicing and imaginative programming: Flotilla is a group to look out for." Barry Millington
Evening Standard

“Flotilla is an exceptional recording, demonstrating the beautiful musicianship and versatility of every musician. The literature is very interesting and the recording opens further works of chamber music involving the saxophone. Horch, Sullivan, Tweed, Parnell, and Watson should be applauded for their attention to detail and for their high degree of musicianship. The pure and well-blended tones of their saxophones should be an inspiration to us all. The CD Flotilla should be in the library of all saxophonists.” Stephen Fischer
The Saxophone Symposium 

Lead by Kyle Horch, Flotilla is a unique ensemble of saxophonists performing music with a variety of soundworlds: saxophone quartets in the traditional soprano-alto-tenor-baritone formation, but also trios and quartets for saxophones in unusual combinations, and also including piano or synthesizer. A consort of saxophones, rather than a traditional saxophone quartet. 
Visit Flotilla at: www.Flotilla.org.uk

Bass Clarinet and Friends - a miscellany

There is much variety among the styles and instrumentation of these wonderfully played works such that the listener will be held rapt through the duration of this program. Lovers of well-written chamber music in varying contemporary styles will definitely not want to miss this set.

David DeBoor Canfield (Fanfare)

This highly-imaginative programme explores a diverse range of music: from the romantic certainties of York Bowen’s remarkable Phantasy Quintet to Jonathan Harvey’s ebullient The Riot, by way of the Latin-infused sounds of Dave Smith’s Aragonesca. It is thoroughly enjoyable from the first track to the last.

John France (MusicWeb International)

Available from Gemini's website and Devine records. Click here for more information.

Rocking Horses, Avenue A Ensemble 

The Avenue a Ensemble is a UK-based group dedicated to the performance, composition and commissioning of new music and performance pieces. Formed in 1999 by artistic director Tim Adnitt and conductor Anthony Weeden, the ensemble has performed to critical acclaim across the UK. Much of it's dynamic repertoire has been exclusively written by some of the UK's most interesting and innovative composers. The ensemble's programs appeal to a wide variety of musical sensibilities including contemporary classical, film, theatre and jazz. Visual elements form an integral part of the Avenue a Ensemble's live performances through the creative use of staging and lighting, and through collaborations with dancers, physical theatre artists, mime artists and filmmakers.

Available via CD Baby