After more than two decades of musical collaboration, the Billy Hart Quartet—featuring Mark Turner, Ethan Iverson, and Ben Street—continues to stand out in the world of contemporary jazz. With an ever-evolving sound that fuses elements of jazz tradition with modern innovation, their work represents a perfect balance of historical influence and forward-thinking exploration. The group’s latest album, Just, exemplifies this commitment, blending Hart’s seasoned experience with the individual genius of his collaborators.
As one of jazz's most respected drummers, Billy Hart, now 84, brings a wealth of experience and a "multi-directional" approach to his playing. His quartet embraces a style that transcends genre boundaries, creating a contemporary jazz sound that is deeply rooted in tradition while pushing the limits of improvisation. Kevin Le Gendre of Jazzwise perfectly captured the essence of their sound, describing the album One Is The Other as “contemporary jazz that draws extensively on all the ‘traditions’ while infusing some of the melodic clarity associated with the more challenging end of popular song.”
A Quartet of Unique Voices
At the heart of the Billy Hart Quartet is the synergy between four individual improvisers who each bring their distinct voice to the table. As noted by pianist Ethan Iverson, “A jazz group is a sensitive mechanism. You’ve got to play together and listen hard, but there’s also a way you need to stay your own course.” This delicate balance between collaboration and individuality is evident throughout Just.
The album showcases a diverse range of compositions, with each member contributing their own pieces. Iverson, known for his ability to blend classical jazz traditions with a modern twist, offers four contrasting tracks: the fluid and intricate “Chamber Music,” the rhythmically complex “Aviation,” the abstract blues of “South Hampton,” and the beautiful, melodic “Showdown.”
Mark Turner, a saxophonist renowned for his deep knowledge of both John Coltrane and Lennie Tristano, presents three compositions on Just. These include the blues-infused “Billy’s Waltz,” the up-tempo “Top of the Middle,” and the evocative “Bo Brussels,” which takes the listener on an unexpected, winding journey of sound.
Billy Hart himself contributes to the album with his own pieces, including two well-loved tracks from his past: “Layla-Joy” and “Naaj.” These older compositions are re-imagined with a fresh perspective, showcasing the quartet’s ability to breathe new life into past works. The album’s title track, “Just,” pulses with an emphatic beat, harkening back to Hart’s days as the driving force behind bands led by Herbie Hancock and Eddie Harris.
A Forward-Looking Group Grounded in Jazz History
Despite the group’s forward-looking approach, the Billy Hart Quartet remains grounded in jazz history. Hart has long been celebrated for his ability to blend innovation with tradition, something he remarked upon in an interview with Jazz Times when he described his quartet as “brilliant contemporary conceptualists.” He goes on to praise Mark Turner for his understanding of Coltrane and Lennie Tristano’s vocabularies, while highlighting the versatility of Ethan Iverson, who brings influences ranging from Thelonious Monk and Andrew Hill to Herbie Hancock.
For over 50 years, Billy Hart has played a key role in shaping jazz, both through his own work and his collaborations with other iconic musicians. His career includes appearances on classic albums such as The Jewel In The Lotus (1974) with Bennie Maupin and collaborations with Charles Lloyd in the 1990s. The Billy Hart Quartet was formed in 2003, and their first album, High Note, was released in 2006. In 2012, they signed with ECM, marking a milestone with the release of All Our Reasons.
The Legacy of the Quartet
Just is a testament to the lasting impact of the Billy Hart Quartet. Recorded at New York’s Sound On Sound Studios in December 2021, the album showcases the quartet’s exceptional musicianship and their ability to innovate while honoring the roots of jazz. Beyond the album, the quartet’s influence extends to their extensive discographies, including solo works by Mark Turner and Ben Street, as well as collaborations with other jazz luminaries.
Mark Turner, whose ECM albums include Lathe of Heaven (2014) and Return from the Stars (2022), is known for his distinctive saxophone voice. Ben Street, a bassist whose credits include work with Andrew Cyrille and Ethan Iverson, continues to be a sought-after musician on the jazz scene.
The Billy Hart Quartet has proven time and again that they are not only masters of their craft but also fearless innovators, constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz while remaining deeply connected to its traditions. Their work is a celebration of jazz as a living, evolving art form.
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