In 2022, Kevin Brady and his Electric Quartet found themselves heading in a groundbreaking new direction, inspired by a collaboration that would redefine their sound.
Featuring the lyrical mastery of Seamus Blake on Tenor Saxophone and the ethereal textures of Bill Carrother on Fender Rhodes, and long time rhythm colleague Dave Redmond, leading bassist & composer from Dublin, this ensemble has created a body of work that balances intricate jazz improvisation with deeply emotive resonance. It’s a sound that feels both timeless and daringly contemporary, pushing the boundaries of what modern jazz can be.
The Electric Quartet’s approach feels like a deliberate departure from the conventions of Brady’s earlier projects. Kevins work with this Quartet suggests a rethinking of the jazz ensemble format itself.
The inclusion of Seamus Blake’s searching, expressive saxophone and Carrother’s atmospheric use of the Rhodes evokes a space of introspection, yet there’s an undercurrent of restless innovation that propels the music forward.
The interplay within the quartet is mesmerizing: the tender dialogue between Blake’s saxophone and Carrother’s shimmering chords creates a deeply personal sonic landscape, while Brady’s rhythmic precision anchors the music with a quiet intensity. The minimalist textures, reminiscent of ambient soundscapes, contrast beautifully with the bursts of improvisational energy, creating a dynamic that’s as intimate as it is expansive. Exploratory solos by the highly regarded bassist Redmond & Brady bridge’s the gap between modern jazz and electronica-tinged fusion.
Even amid moments of melancholy, there’s a sense of forward motion—a reminder that, like any art born of reflection, this music is about finding the path ahead, and just when you think the quartet might be content to linger in introspection, they deliver something unexpected: a hard-swinging, groove-laden track that reminds listeners of the genre’s vibrant roots. For Kevin Brady and his collaborators, his latest project is a sonic pit stop—a moment to recalibrate and push their collective artistry to new heights. The Kevin Brady Electric Quartet opens up an exciting new chapter for both its members and their audience.