Discuss Music

The Turtle Island String Quartet was my introduction to jazz string music. They were formed in 1985, and two of the original group members are still part of the quartet today. David Balakrishnan is a violinist and the main composer for the group. He is clearly influenced by a wide variety of musical sounds – his background in composition has led him to such projects as arranging and composing jazz tunes for the quartet, and his current 3-year residency with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra to write six original pieces for them. His compositions are some of my personal favorites. Mark Summer, the other founding member still with the group, is considered one of the best cellists in the world. He has developed many new techniques for the cello, not only to fulfill the role of jazz bassist for the group, but also percussionist. He plucks, knocks, and bangs on his instrument like no cellist before him has. His extremely melodic and complex improvisations are not to be reckoned with, either.

All of the players that have been a part of this group are some of the most innovative string players I’ve ever heard. They’ve helped to redefine string music. The quartet’s most recent album, A Love Supreme, won the group a Grammy award, as well as gave them some major props from jazz fans for tediously transcribing John Coltrane’s solos note for note. When I saw them live in Detroit in 2007, violist (now violinist) Mads Tolling played a rambunctiously ridiculous rendition of Giant Steps. On the viola! I couldn’t even breathe after I heard it.

Check these guys out! They are creative, original, and they put on a great live concert. They talk about most of their tunes and discuss matters with the audience – but not in that boring, slightly arrogant, academic way that most people expect these kinds of events to be. They have a true appreciation for music and other musicians, and they talk about their art in a way that is relevant and humble. A Love Supreme is definitely one to hear, especially if you are interested in Coltrane. If you want to hear some of TISQ’s original music, I recommend their album, Art of the Groove. “Fruitcake” is a good tune, and their rendition of “Blue Rondo a la Turk” is also one you shouldn’t miss.

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