The Martin Hayes Quartet, Sebastopol

The Martin Hayes Quartet opens up and explores the Irish tradition with music that resonates as both venerable and strikingly new. The new group expands upon many of the musical ideas Martin has pursued in his renowned and longstanding partnership with guitarist Dennis Cahill.  The melody remains central with an added range of sonic possibilities provided by new instrumentation: the deep mellow sound of bass clarinet, played by the virtuosic Doug Wieselman (Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Antony & the Johnsons), and the warm tones of the viola, played by the brilliant Liz Knowles (Bobby McFerrin, Bang-on-a-Can Orchestra, Riverdance). Dennis Cahill provides his essential chords and groundbreaking accompaniment on guitar.
“Liz and Doug add new aural textures and amplify the rhythmic possibilities,” says Hayes. “They also allow for a larger role for improvisation.”