All-four was a radical transport scheme in 1930’s New York, aiming to promote co- operation rather than competition between existing modes of public transport.
Hailing originally from New York herself, Kay Grant is a vocalist who likes to fuse her flexible voice into an instrumental part of the whole, and this new quartet honours four distinct players while allowing them to collectively simmer and shine, creating a common music of empathy, space and lyrical beauty.
With Martin Speake (Alto Sax), Liam Noble (Piano) and Mark Sanders (Drums), Grant has assembled a group at home in the here and now, playing freely improvised pieces as well as original compositions. Grant originally developed her free approach working with such downtown heavyweights as John Zorn, Elliott Sharp and Shelley Hirsch before relocating to London. Her many collaborators include Alex Ward, John Russell, Marcio Mattos, Ntshuks Bonga, Olie Brice, Alison Blunt, Hannah Marshall, Steve Noble and John Edwards. She sings with the Hauntological Orchestra and Ad Libitum Chamber Choir.
“There is something ethereal and beautiful about listening to the vocal gymnastics of Kay Grant’s voice as she cuts loose; as if leaping off a proverbial cliff, she allows her voice to be led where the heart desires… with spectacular wit and the choicest of musical wisdom.” – Raul d’Gama Rose, All About Jazz
“Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent.” – Thomas Conrad – Jazz Times
“A brilliant pianist, Liam Noble hardly plays a solo without at least one turn of phrase that brings you to the edge of your seat” – John Fordham, The Guardian
“Mark Sanders is gifted with technique paired by acute listening abilities. Add to these flexibility and a lot of enthusiasm and its easy to understand why he has become the favorite drummer of so many artists. – François Couture – Allmusic.com