Martin Hayes Quartet

The Martin Hayes Quartet expands on many of the musical ideas pursued by Irish fiddler Hayes in his longstanding partnership with Dennis Cahill. In this new quartet, Kentucky violinist Liz Knowles and New York clarinettist Doug Wieselman bring a wealth of musical experience from classical to jazz that contributes to the spacious arrangements. The melody still remains central but now with an added range of sonic possibilities provided by Knowles’ viola d’amore and Wieselman’s bass clarinet. The addition of these instruments creates aural textures and amplifies the rhythmic possibilities of the Quartet, while also allowing a larger role for improvisation.