Signal Quartet
Defying easy categorization, Signal Quartet brings together a variety of disparate strains from the so-called “jazz” continuum to create a distinctive group sound. Incorporating the freewheeling adventurousness of the avant garde, the improvisational combustibility of post-bop, and the spaciousness and lyricism innate to the American Midwest; Signal Quartet is able to reach young and old, purists and radicals, aficionados and neophytes alike through their thoughtful compositions and unpredictable improvisations.
About
Signal Quartet is a collective musical ensemble based in Detroit, Michigan consisting of Ben Wolkins on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Ian Blunden on Guitar, Eric Nachtrab on Bass, and Sean Perlmutter on Drums. Each member composes for the band and contributes a decidedly individual improvisational voice. These varied approaches are the true strength of the band. Signal Quartet is not one thing.
Through their writing for the group, each of the four members inspire empathetic ensemble improvisation from their own vantage point. Nachtrab has a way of making long, complex, or irregular song forms sound simple and inevitable with a lyricism all his own. Perlmutter contributes a pop sensibility, connecting brightly defined islands of melodic material with shifting, sometimes unhinged improvised sections. Wolkins has a highly developed harmonic concept, adding a richness, depth, and detailed logic to the proceedings while Blunden adds an up-to-the-minute take on the state of improvised music.
Signal Quartet wholeheartedly welcome uncertainty and strive for a truly new creation each time they set foot on the bandstand. Their approach to music is one of “letting it all in”; following the thread of the music wherever it leads, regardless of stylistic constraints; embracing the jazz tradition while refusing to shave off or smooth over any of its eccentricities or irregularities.
The band's self-titled debut - consisting mostly of pieces by Nachtrab - was released in August of 2022, and was celebrated with a performance at the Detroit Jazz Festival the following Month. Their sophomore effort, Second Exploration: The Music of Ben Wolkins, (released in April 2023) was promoted by a Midwest tour, featured as a "new and notable release" on Bandcamp's homepage, and continues to receive radio play around the US. Approaching, A third release featuring pieces written by all four members was recorded while on tour in 2024 . It finds the band in top form, expertly balancing spontaneity and deliberation while navigating a set of of diverse and challenging compositions.
Audio samples
Video
Fore!
Live at Chris' Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia, PA
Nothing Missing
Recorded at High Bias Recordings, Detroit, MI
Yes, I Can Hear You
Recorded at High Bias Recordings, Detroit, MI
Slow Brew Studio Video
From the album Second Exploration: The Music of Ben Wolkins
The Gymnast (alternate take)
Press Quotes
This Detroit based small ensemble performs original modal mainstream jazz at times, often edgy, and always cohesive. They mix it up with some jazz rock fusion, thoughtful, calmer compositions, and music parallel to the ECM sound within an imagined or reimagined Kenny Wheeler-John Abercrombie concept. A true co-op quartet, Eric Nachtrab plays bass and is upfront with the fine trumpeter Ben Wolkins. Guitarist Ian Blunden provides scintillating leads and accents, while drummer Sean Perlmutter forcefully holds down his rhythmic end. The result is an introspective or bold approach that is never overbearing, always challenging, and a cut above.
-Michael G. Nastos; Hot House Magazine/NYC, Paradiso Dei Musicisti, Down Beat Magazine, WCBN 88.3 FM, wcbn.org-Ann Arbor, Mi., Arts Fuse, Jazz Messenger and El Intruso Music Polls (on Signal Quartet)
Signal Quartet shows its polish as a group, taking delight in exploring every inch of a tune with improvisational interaction, and their ability to express both the individual players and the whole of the group throughout their debut release. Their tight musicianship pairs beautifully with their shared love of expansive improvisation. Signal Quartet is a solid listen.
-Dutcher Snedeker; localspins.com (on Signal Quartet)
Signal Quartet is a highly cohesive group of players who waste no time or energy in their performances, being both economical and plentiful in their approach.
-Jay Honeycomb; No Transmission (on Second Exploration)
Patient yet curious, the compositions of trumpeter Ben Wolkins, played here by... Signal Quartet, highlight the group's connectivity.
-Bandcamp (on Second Exploration)
...a rewarding listening experience from start to finish... It is hurling, bustling, challenging, and exhilarating acoustic jazz for 2023 and beyond.
-Linda Yohn; SEMJA Journal (on Second Exploration)
...the idea seems to be to go onward, to go farther, to push through boundaries, to not look back. This is a wonderful jam that is over all too soon.
-Michael Doherty (on Second Exploration)
The result on this sophomore release is a beautiful tapestry of styles and influences across the jazz canon, distilled into a sound all their own, with moments of burning swing, colorful dissonant melodies reminiscent of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet or Thelonious Monk, and lush textures that soak your listening ears into a hypnotic calm.
-Dutcher Snedeker, localspins.com (on Second Exploration)
Press photos
Members
Ian Blunden
Sean Perlmutter
Eric Nachtrab
Guitar
Eric Nachtrab
Sean Perlmutter
Eric Nachtrab
Bass
Ben Wolkins
Sean Perlmutter
Sean Perlmutter
Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Sean Perlmutter
Sean Perlmutter
Sean Perlmutter
Drums