The Western Jazz Quartet melds the talent, experience, passion and professionalism of four gifted musicians whose artistic vision and performance have garnered international acclaim. The group’s unique ability to blend culture, education and aesthetics demonstrates multifaceted versatility that energizes and tantalizes contemporaries and audiences alike.

Formed in 1974, the quartet combines performing and teaching with uncommon success, promoting jazz music and jazz education through a very active schedule of tours, concerts and workshops. Hailed throughout the United States, Europe, Central and South America, and Asia, the quartet has performed with such artists as Art Farmer, Kenny Werner, Mark Murphy, Randy Brecker, Eddie Daniels, Janis Siegel and Bobby McFerrin. The quartet’s capacity to bring jazz to any age audience in any culture speaks to the universality of their message through music.

In residence at the School of Music at Western Michigan University, WJQ has appeared at major festivals, clubs, conferences and conventions worldwide. The group has four award-winning CDs in the United States, including Firebird, which Down Beat magazine named one of the top CDs of the 1990s. The quartet has also released several records in Europe, including Waning Moon, on Universal/Mercury Records with pianist Wlodek Pawlik. WJQ serves as an artistic ambassador for the U.S. State Department. The group also regularly appears with symphony orchestras in series, pops, and special theme concerts.

“It is a rare occasion when performers and their audience connect on a number of levels — professional, personal and emotional. WJQ has done this in spades every time out, and I can think of no greater endorsement.”

— Gregory Adams, Cultural Coordinator, United States Information Agency