Bernstein / Veer Quartet / Jozwiak - Veer Quartet [CD]

Violinist/composer Sarah Bernstein presents the debut release from her new ensemble, Veer Quartet. Chamber jazz string quartets represent a fascinating sub-genre, a small cross section of string players who are improvisers and have absorbed a diversity of stylistic feels with those inclined to apply those skills to this venerated instrumentation. Bernstein's approach to leading and composing for the group is fresh and unique, eschewing the more overt populism of forebears like Turtle Island String Quartet in favor of an exploration of more progressive spaces, grounded in transparent harmonies, contrapuntal textures, and swung grooves. Her writing is front and center on this self titled album, balancing textural explorations with forward directed impulses.