NYSQ (New York Standards Quartet) has been creatively deconstructing the music of the great American songbook for 18 years. The band, with Tim on Saxophones, David Berkman on piano, Gene Jackson on Drums, and either Daiki Yasukagawa or Ugonna Okegwo on bass, has committed themselves to doing what they grew up doing – playing on standards – in a way that has the adventurous spirit of contemporary original music. Everyone contributes arrangements, and everyone shapes the arrangements brought in by others. It’s a truly collaborative band, and it shows in their way of playing together, developed through experience on the bandstand. The group has done 16 tours in Japan, 9 in the States, and has played in the UK, Spain, and Belgium so far. “Heaven Steps to Seven” is the band’s 7th recording, and for the 8th, Armacost and Berkman are developing the arrangements for a project featuring a 16 piece big band, to be released in as soon as the music is complete.
Website:
www.nysq.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/newyorkstandardsquartet/
New album – Heaven Steps To Seven:
https://nysq.bandcamp.com/album/heaven-steps-to-seven