Paul Cohen soprano saxophone
David Demsey tenor saxophone
Avi Goldrosen alto saxophone
Tim Ruedeman baritone saxophone

The New Hudson Saxophone Quartet is a rare combina­tion: an ensemble dedicated to presenting American music with a string quartet approach and a beautiful, blending instrumental sound. Their repertoire can range from commissioned works by Robert Sirota and David Noon to classic original repertoire by 19th-century American composers Caryl Florio and the 20th century Alec Wilder.

The members of the Quarter are all veteran concert musicians and accomplished soloists, with credits that include the Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The Absolute Ensemble, and the Kirov and Juilliard Orchestras, as well as jazz musicians Clark Terry, James Moody, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Milt Hinton. They bring their widely varied experiences toward a dedication to beautiful ensemble, a pure tone, and the ability to effortlessly and authentically play in varying musical styles.

The NHQ has appeared with the Charleston Symphony and Long Island Philharmonic, and Greenwich (CT) Orchestra. In 1997, they collaborated with conductor Lawrence Leighton Smith in the New York premiere of Nicolas Flagello’s Concerto Sinfonico for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra. They have performed Calvin Hampton’s Saxophone Quartet Concerto with the Metamorphosis Orchestra, and gave the world premiere of the wind ensemble version of Flagello’s Concerto Sinfonico. The NHQ is active in expanding the saxophone quartet repertoire, and has comn1issioned, premiered or performed a number of exciting, accessible new works by such composers as Elias Tannenbaum, David Noon, Dexter Morrill, Robert Kyr, Alan Brings, Stanely Grill, Steve Cohen and Barbara Jazwinski.

Also an active recording ensemble, The NHQ has recorded as soloists with the Manhattan Philharmonia and has recorded premieres with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra led by Richard Auldon Clark, and the Rutgers University Orchestra under the baton of Kynon Johns. They were featured on the widely recognized Arizona University Recordings CD America’s Millennium Tribute to Adolphe Sax. THE AMERICAN MUSE, originally released in 2001, garnered wonderful reviews. Quartet at the Crossroads, was released in August 2010 (Capstone), and Breathing Lessons (Naxos) was released in 2011.

Albums

New York Rising

Release Date: November 15, 2024
Catalog Number: RR8111
20th Century
21st Century
Chamber
Saxophone
Paul Cohen and The New Hudson Saxophone Quartet return to Ravello Records with NEW YORK RISING. Showcasing their well-blended sound and ability to turn on a stylistic dime, the ensemble navigates works by several American composers, from the title track’s evocations of a young man’s excitement, curiosity, and determination in the Big Apple to arrangements of Aaron Copland’s Suite from Our Town and Simple Gifts, and more. The ensemble is joined by guest artists Christopher Brellochs and Ulrich Krieger, both alto saxophonists, throughout the program.

Quartet at the Crossroads

Release Date: August 31, 2010
Catalog Number: RR7805
21st Century
Chamber
Saxophone
Quartet at the Crossroads features performances of contemporary saxophone compositions performed by the New Hudson Saxophone Quartet. The astounding timbral range of the instrument, from the sopranino to the contrabass, is utilized to its full extent as performers push the limits of the instrument. As this disc will show, the musical voice of the saxophone is evolving, growing, and changing at an astounding rate.