Since its inception in 1959, the New York Saxophone Quartet has conceived of itself as a quintessentially American saxophone ensemble. As Phil Woods puts it: “One of the noticeable differences between this quartet and others is the improvisational skill displayed throughout the varied material…they play with a truly American pulse”.

The current members of the group are all experienced in solo jazz improvisation as well as contemporary chamber music. Original compositions and commissions comprise the vast majority of their repertoire. The NYSQ has performed throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain and Japan, including performances at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium, Charlotte Performing Arts Center, Mannes School of Music, radio stations WQXR and WNYC, and appearances with the St Paul Chamber Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. The NYSQ’s most recent CD, Urbanology, features the music of contemporary New York composers and arrangers.