Achilles Heal Sax 4-tet

Color Sax Quartet Kathy Diane Sean Rick.png

Oddball by Brian Friedland

There is something extraordinary about playing in the saxophone quartet setting. The experience is similar to playing as one of a group of five saxes in a big band, but performing just with other saxes, without a rhythm section, is like nothing else. You can hear everyone’s sound so clearly; every nuance and artistic contribution is appreciated. It is a living, breathing organism we bring to life as a group.

For jazz musicians, writing something that will support an improvising soloist without a standard rhythm section is a different challenge. The composers who have written for us have approached this in various ways. All the saxophonists in the quartet are also excellent improvisers and most of the music we play incorporates improvisation, showcasing the band’s ability to really swing without a rhythm section. The music is challenging, every note very exposed, which is why it’s so rewarding.

The mission of the Achilles Heal Saxophone Quartet is to make the best of this special instrumentation. We perform original compositions and/or arrangements by our favorite composers as well as by members of the ensemble.

In August 2019, I ruptured my right achilles tendon, which, combined with the pandemic, put the group on hold as I recovered from the injury and the world closed down. Now I am back on my feet, and the world is opening up again. In December of 2022 I decided to give the group a new name as we move forward with hope and a drive to share our unique music again. We are now called the Achilles Heal Saxophone Quartet (formerly the Composers Saxophone Quartet). Heal instead of “heel” to represent the positivity and catharsis that this group brings to me as a leader and performer.

Sax Quartet Mandorla.jpg