New York Art Quartet

The New York Art Quartet, emerging in 1964 from the vibrant New York City jazz scene, quickly established itself as a pioneering force in the free jazz movement. Comprised initially of John Tchicai on saxophone, Roswell Rudd on trombone, Milford Graves handling percussion, and Lewis Worrell on bass—with Worrell’s role later filled by an impressive roster including Reggie Workman and Eddie Gómez—the ensemble was renowned for their avant-garde approach and intense improvisational performances. Their musical explorations, characterized by bold experimentations and a dynamic interplay between instruments, marked a significant contribution to the evolution of jazz, pushing the genre’s boundaries and influencing countless artists in the electronic and dance music realms. Celebrated for their groundbreaking work, the New York Art Quartet’s legacy is enshrined in the annals of jazz as architects of some of the most compelling and innovative music of their era.