Quartet San Francisco: The Innovative String Quartet of American Eclecticism

Quartet San Francisco is a Grammy-nominated string quartet from the United States known for its genre-defying repertoire and virtuosic performances. The ensemble, founded by violinist and arranger Jeremy Cohen, has built a celebrated career by masterfully blending classical technique with jazz, tango, rock, and blues influences.

Early career

Quartet San Francisco was formed in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area by violinist Jeremy Cohen. The group's founding vision was to create a dynamic string quartet that could move fluidly between classical standards and contemporary popular music with equal authenticity and precision.

Their early work quickly established this identity, leading to their debut album in 2002. This initial release showcased their unique approach, catching the attention of the independent label ViolinJazz Records and setting the stage for their subsequent explorations.

Breakthrough

The quartet's major breakthrough arrived with their 2006 album "Látigo," released on the Silverline label. This collection of tango and Latin-inspired pieces earned them their first Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album, catapulting them to national recognition within the specialized genre.

This nomination solidified their reputation as serious innovators beyond the standard chamber music circuit. It opened doors to major festival appearances and collaborations, proving that their eclectic formula resonated with both critics and a broader audience.

Key tracks

Látigo — The title track from their Grammy-nominated album is a fiery original tango that perfectly encapsulates the quartet's rhythmic drive and passionate style.

Orange Blossom Special — Their blistering interpretation of this bluegrass fiddle classic demonstrates their technical prowess and deep connection to American roots music.

Smells Like Teen Spirit — A daring and intricate arrangement of the Nirvana grunge anthem, showcasing their ability to reinvent rock songs for the string quartet format.

Take Five — Their version of the iconic Dave Brubeck jazz standard highlights their sophisticated swing and impeccable sense of ensemble timing.

The success of "Látigo" was followed by two further Grammy nominations for the albums "QSF Plays Brubeck" (2009) and "Pacific Premieres" (2012). These projects underscored their commitment to both jazz interpretation and commissioning new works from contemporary composers. Their prolific recording output includes collaborations with artists like guitarist Larry Coryell and the vocal group Chanticleer, further expanding their musical universe. Later albums, such as "The Beatles Complete on Ukulele" collaboration and "Whirled Chamber Music," continued to defy easy categorization.

Fans of Quartet San Francisco's genre-blending style may also enjoy the sophisticated crossover work of Turtle Island Quartet, another American ensemble pioneering jazz and beyond for strings. The innovative arrangements of Brooklyn Rider offer a similarly eclectic and contemporary approach to chamber music. For the classical-meets-tango passion, explore the recordings of Astor Piazzolla, whose compositions are a staple of QSF's repertoire. The dynamic performances of Time For Three also share the spirit of breaking traditional classical boundaries.

Quartet San Francisco's diverse catalog receives regular airplay on a variety of radio formats, including classical crossover stations, public radio music programs, and specialty shows focusing on jazz and world music. Their energetic recordings are a perfect fit for stations seeking sophisticated yet accessible instrumental music that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

You can hear the innovative music of Quartet San Francisco on the curated classical and eclectic radio stations featured on our website. Tune in via onairium.com to discover their Grammy-nominated tracks and experience the dynamic sound of this groundbreaking American string quartet.