Jazz performed by a string quartet? At first glance the two would seem mutually exclusive -- until Turtle Island Quartet showed the world how it could be done.
Turtle Island Quartet, which played at BYU Thursday, has taken the concept of crossover to a new level -- infusing jazz playing with classical parameters and classical idioms with cutting edge jazz. The resulting mix is innovative, original and not easily imitated. Turtle Island Quartet is without question in a class by itself.
At Thursday's concert the foursome -- violinists David Balakrishnan and Mads Tolling; violist Jeremy Kittel; and cellist Mark Summer -- exhibited amazing string technique and virtuosity. All four are impeccable classical artists and phenomenal jazz players. Summer in particular was a whirlwind with his instrument, playing things that were seemingly impossible until one saw him actually doing it.
Turtle Island Quartet, which played at BYU Thursday, has taken the concept of crossover to a new level -- infusing jazz playing with classical parameters and classical idioms with cutting edge jazz. The resulting mix is innovative, original and not easily imitated. Turtle Island Quartet is without question in a class by itself.
At Thursday's concert the foursome -- violinists David Balakrishnan and Mads Tolling; violist Jeremy Kittel; and cellist Mark Summer -- exhibited amazing string technique and virtuosity. All four are impeccable classical artists and phenomenal jazz players. Summer in particular was a whirlwind with his instrument, playing things that were seemingly impossible until one saw him actually doing it.
