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"...the gentle, reedy beauty of the playing was
beguiling." "The Prism Quartet's members -- Tim Ries, Michael Whitcombe,
Matthew Levy, and Taimur Sullivan -- avoid the effete cliches
of the classical saxophone. They play with grit, "The quartet...played with immense agility and finesse. The members
produced a suave and integrated tone coupled with a depth of understanding
of a work that was exuberant and exciting to experience." [Headline: PRISM QUARTET LIGHTS UP GBS] " ... the fantastic
Prism Saxophone Quartet...dazzling foursome. [William Bolcom's]
Concerto Grosso's' Connecticut premiere was exhilarating, to say
the least. The audience demanded an encore..." "superb sax group..." "...when you want a sax quartet, the one you want is the
PRISM Quartet. The members' virtuosity is buffed and burnished,
and their enthusiasm has gotten only more exuberant. Matthew Levy,
Timothy McAllister, Taimur Sullivan, and Michael Whitcombe have
played together so long that they have achieved the kind of effortless
ensemble and telepathic understanding that characterizes the best
instrumental ensembles in any genre."
"...exceptional ensemble playing...the quartet performs with
lovely nuanced phrasing, beautifully modulated dynamics and timbral
shadings, and a sparkling clarity of articulation." "Offbeat season finale ends up enthralling symphony audience"
[Headline] "...Mellifluous and stylistically versatile, the new work made
a strong impression; a broad texture of saxophone sonorities emerged.
The players...blended personalities handsomely." "These four guys can really play. Their ensemble is excellent,
their sound is gorgeous..." "The two-day New Sounds Music Festival at the University of Redlands
concluded on a high note.. [with a] recital by The Prism Quartet..."
[Prism] provided an enticing program of recent music...carefully
constructed...particularly accessible and satisfying...remarkable
examples of virtuosity..." "The group gave a beautifully couched reading...exciting...and
virtuosic..." "...a first rate quartet...flawless technique, expressiveness,
impeccable intonation, and interesting literature." "Four skilled performers with buoyant musical personalities.
The performers moved effortlessly between styles. The music was
lighthearted, pulsing and wittily colored." "What distinguishes the Prism Quartet from others is its pinpoint
accuracy and unanimity of sound." "This unusual group is determined to make the saxophone quartet
a legitimate concert-hall fixture. And it may very well do just
that." "Prism created the impression of a group charting fresh, unexplored
musical territory. The group's eclectic program offered a range
of moods, from raucous humor to sharp wit to soulful laments.
The sleek wind controllers gave the musicians an enviable range
of timbres and sound effects." "The quartet performed it [Locatelli's Concerto Grosso in C Minor]
totally electronically, demonstrating the full range of its equipment...The
quartet played it with spirit and virtuosity." "...Prism Quartet's performance would have to be deemed a complete
success...an auspicious opening to Purdue Convocation's Discovery
Concerts, and was received warmly by a most receptive audience." |
The
New York Times (
brio
and take-no-prisoners accuracy."
[Bolcom's
Concerto Grosso], a jazzy update of a showy baroque form, highlighted
the PRISM Quartet's flair for syncopated rhythms, bluesy turns
and improvised cadenzas. The soloists - saxophonists Matthew Levy,
Timothy Ries, Taimur Sullivan and Michael Whitcombe - took ownership
of the work, which they had commissioned. Ling and the [Cleveland]
orchestra came along for the fun-filled ride.