Microscopic Quartet

[Rabshakeh]

I somehow missed this bunch pretty much entirely. They seem extremely famous on parts of the Internet of Jazz. 

Any views on them or their solo albums?

[JSngry]

They got lots of jazz radio play here back in the day. I found them clever, not great soloists, but always interesting writing.

[clifford_thornton]

Dave Sewelson I’ve listened to and seen a lot, and he’s a really swell guy in addition to being a hell of a musician.

All the Hofstra, Hagen, Forrester, and Johnston I’ve heard has been top-notch. But all this to say I haven’t really gotten into the Micros, more likely a “me” thing than a “them” thing.

[Rabshakeh]

They sound to me a bit like the ICP Orchestra, but maybe less interesting.

Any recommendations for albums welcome.

[clifford_thornton]

Somewhat, yes, I can hear that. When I was writing reviews, I got promos of the two 2CD Microscopic Septet “history of” comps on Cuneiform, and while I wasn’t floored, there’s some interesting material amidst for sure. Still have the music on a backed up hard drive so I should dig it out...

[Ken Dryden]

I have enjoyed the Microscopic Septet’s recordings and those by Joel Forrester and Philip Johnston.