"Quartetics" captures a unique encounter between four seasoned improvisers, who first came together in this quartet formation on May 15, 2019. Although new in this configuration, these musicians share extensive collaborative histories: Lash has longstanding collaborations with Reuben and Hanslip, while Hession, Reuben, and Hanslip had already performed and recorded as a trio.

The album explores the idea of "The Quartet"—specifically, this configuration of tenor saxophone, laptop, double bass, and drums—as “a field of possibility”, generating a body of knowledge and sensation through “a state of being about to happen”.

The improvisations are vibrant, energetic, and exploratory, highlighting attentive listening and dynamic interplay. Reuben’s radical approach to computer music contributes meaningful interactions through live coding, creating intricate textures with manipulated samples, glitches, synths, distorted guitar and piano sounds, and live processing. Hanslip delivers elegant saxophone lines and detailed sonic explorations, complemented by Lash’s inventive and resourceful double bass playing and Hession’s nuanced, virtuosic rhythmic support.

Quartetics strikes a compelling balance between experimentation and musicianship, foregrounding both the individuality of each performer and their collective commitment to the unfolding music. The album offers a vivid snapshot of quartet dynamics, capturing a sense of imminent discovery uniquely realised through this particular gathering.

Recorded 15th May 2019 in York (UK) by Lynette Quek
Mixed by Alex Bonney
Mastered by Peter Beckmann at Technology Works Mastering
Cover photo, artwork and design by Emil Karlsen
Produced by Emil Karlsen for Bead Records
All rights reserved
All music by Federico Reuben (PRS), Mark Hanslip (PRS), Dominic Lash (PRS) and Paul Hession (PRS)
Special thanks to the University of York

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