Presidio Saxophone Quartet

"Clarity, energy, and beauty....and just plain fun."
(Robert McConnell, Music Director, Southwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra)

"Four of the most poised and talented young musicians we have heard. At the restaurant after the performance, everyone recognized them and cheered and clapped again!" (Barbara Schofield, Performing Arts Council, San Carlos, Mexico)

"What a tremendous evening! Their blend, intonation, and musical sensitivity are really world class.Hats off to the Presidio Saxophont Quartet."
(Tucson Citizen, AZ)

The inviting programs of The Presidio Saxophone Quartet have thrilled international audiences since the quartet's founding in 1998 when the members were all graduate students at the University of Arizona. These programs take advantage of an eclectic repertoire (classic French works, arrangements of well-known jazz standards, offerings from the more contemporary quartet literature) to intrigue audiences and to demonstrate the range and versatility of the four types of saxophonesósoprano, tenor, baritone, and alto. The quartet now has two compact disc recordings to its credit, the second of which features the world premiere recording of James DeMars' exciting "Neon Babylon." It also is included in the CD collection "America's Millennium Tribute to Adolphe Sax" on the AUR label.

"They are amazingly musical, refreshingly in tune, swing hard, and have a fabulous sound." (Jeff Haskell, Jazz Studies Director, University of Arizona)

"Presidio brings heaven to earth. A delight for mind, heart, and spirit."
(Sanda Schuldmann, Tucson Jazz Society Ex. Dir.)

"The Presidio Saxophone Quartet play with a sense of purpose that enables them to carry off their repertoire. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, alternating vigorous dance style with folksong simplicity and always with attention to detail....Humorous and lively, they display great discipline of intonation and ensemble."
(Australian Clarinet and Saxophone Magazine)

"A quartet that produces exciting, smooth, and pleasant music which appeals to a wide variety of audiences; professional in every respect. They have appeared on our series twice and have received standing ovations on both occasions."
(Herbert F. Egender, Chairman, Tucson Jazz Society, presenter)

"A gem in the desert. The ensemble offers a little known repertoire that is varied and delightful, and played with professional level artistry. An extraordinary group."
(Gregg I. Hanson, Director of Bands, University of Arizona)