Since debuting thirty years ago, the New York-based Sirius Quartet has had a few different lineups: The one constant has, of course, been German-born violinist Gregor Huebner (Hübner), who readers may know for his great recordings with Richie Beirach, George Mraz, Randy Brecker, Billy Hart and others. American cellist Jeremy Harman (son of guitarist Brian Harman) and Malaysian-born violinist Fung Chern Hwei have also performed with Sirius for some time, with newest member Sunjay Jayaram rounding out the group on viola. It is rare to encounter a single string player who is highly trained in jazz and classical performance, improvisation and composition, let alone a quartet. Consequently, when they work in tandem on a project like Incantations the result is quite special.

It is notable from the get-go that they can generate strong grooves without any rhythm section support. There is a mutual rhythmic consensus on display that seems to be supported by the lower strings but is also probably informed by solid internal pulses all around – fully exhibited on the opening track, a composition by Harman called “Echo Chambers”, as well as in the solo section of Part 1 of Huebner’s composition “Rage”. That strong rhythmic consensus also enables them to interpret other moments in a manner more customary of a classical string quartet – best exemplified in the main theme of Fung Chern Hwei’s poignant composition “Farewell Horatio”. I doubt if any other string outfit in the world can so seamlessly switch from highly expressive moments into deep grooves as well as this quartet can.

They also make excellent use of extended techniques and modern concepts. One of the most fascinating compositions is Huebner’s “Chant Pour L’ile Gorée”, which sees them utilise their voices as a drone underneath microtonal playing. As is clear from the tracks already covered, all are originals, each performer having contributed two pieces (except Harman with three). The liner notes clarify that most are inspired by political and spiritual matters, which has been a staple of some of their previous work. But the music here speaks for itself – the themes are overwhelmingly memorable and provide an easily relatable component during some of the more experimental elements.

Improvisation is a huge part of this and previous Sirius projects. Huebner’s credentials in this area are well-established as one of the leading exponents of contemporary chromatic jazz language on the violin, comparable in some ways to the great Zbigniew Seifert. It is also worth noting that solos from the other three members tend to be equally satisfying. There are no weak links here.

The formula for Incantations is not all that different from previous Sirius releases – essentially a selection of new works from each member, unrelated in concept but connected by a shared stylistic grounding. It is, nevertheless, an exceedingly enjoyable listen and represents a most impressive addition to their discography. Sirius Quartet will be embarking on a tour of Germany this coming May and June (dates below) and I recommend that our readers there try to catch them performing this music live.

Charlie Rees is an English saxophonist, composer/arranger & journalist. He is also the Assistant Editor of UKJN.

Incantations was released on 10 January 2025 (link to purchase below).

• Label: Navona Records
• NV6690