English saxophonist Tobias Delius is often regarded as the man of the primal scream, of the large, gross gesture. Indeed, he speaks the language of the great American tenor heroes and he can break out into powerful, passionate solos. However, he prefers to move off the beaten track, for example with ICP Orchestra but also with his own ensembles, which can lend themselves to surprisingly subtle music. The compositions of Delius and cellist Tristan Honsinger serve as vantage points of departure for the Tobias Delius Quartet, which has been active since 1990.

‘One of the most exciting working units in contemporary jazz, moving effortlessly from hard swinging post-bop to New Dutch wackiness, from spare pointillist extended techniques to woozy, cheesy waltzes, and they’re as much fun to watch as they are to listen to’ (The Wire).

‘Delius’s mastery of the tenor is sprawling, but the deep, warm richness of his tone is a constant, recalling the breathy sensuality of Ben Webster, the agile gravity of Sonny Rollins, and the pinched phrasing of Archie Shepp’ (Chicago Reader).

Tobias Delius tenor saxophone, Tristan Honsinger cello, Joe Williamson bass, Han Bennink drums