Esprit de Four explores the place where four unique perspectives become a single creative force…

Featuring “Put Our Hearts Together,” Bob James’ tribute to the victims of the devastating tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.

When it comes to making music, four is often the magic number. From the Beatles to MJQ, many legendary quartets have made their mark in the classical, pop and jazz traditions. Maybe it’s the idea of four talented individuals, each approaching the other three from a unique perspective – like inspired travelers hailing from equidistant coordinates on a map – and bringing all of their talents to bear at a single point. Maybe it’s just the sheer mathematical symmetry and balance of the number itself. (continue reading…)