From the Gene Harris to the Villa Celimontana Jazz Festivals and locations around the world, including England, Austria, Slovenia, Thailand, Italy, the United States, Singapore, Germany, Iceland, Scotland, Luxembourg, The Philippines and France, Four is received exuberantly for their impeccable performances of music originating entirely from Watkins’ pen. FOUR is working on their fifth CD (Collaboration) with the Miami, Zagreb, Saxitude and Richard Ingham saxophone quartets. They also recorded On a Warm Summer’s Evenin’ (Jazz Hang, 2010), "Supported by rock-solid jazz and orchestra ensembles, On a Warm Summer’s Evenin’ is a celebration of diverse musical styles by an inventive writer and four outstanding saxophonists who are as equally at ease unselfishly serving the demands of an ensemble as they are navigating the rigors of solo duties. To all involved, thank you for the music and the artistry." For their third CD, FOURway Stop, (Jazz Hang, 2012), Jeff Coffin wrote a wonderful prose. Here are the last few lines: "Glorious, bright moments bursting and bouncing with fullness and joy. When is 2+2 more than the sum of it's pats? Listen, and here you will hear four sounding like five or more…"
Mark Watkins, soprano saxophone
Ray Smith, alto saxophone
Sandon Mayhew, tenor saxophone
Jon Gudmundson, baritone saxophone
