Grey Matter Quartet (GMQ) is an ensemble that focuses on fusion styled jazz, originated by the masters of the style (Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, George Duke, Weather Report, YellowJackets, Snarky Puppy, etc)
As all jazz should include original content infusion by the performing musicians, you will find pieces of all of us in the presentation of these compositions. We also consider it our honor and privilege to bring these compositions to our audiences - in non-threatening terms. Be it in a restaurant, dinner party or concert setting. We do not beat you in the head with it, we tastefully offer it up. Inevitably folks will be tapping their feet, bobbing their head and knowing that they have heard the songs before and liked them!
Historically, GMQ started out as a trio. Originated by drummer and founder; Andrew Hix and keyboardist / co-founder Stew Levin. Andrew and Stew have played in numerous ensembles together since the 1990's consisting of the wedding ensemble; Late Shift Orchestra, a (5) piece pre-curser ensemble called "Soulfiztication", and numerous jazz pick up bands.
Andrew is also the drummer for the jazz group - Slyvan Street. They released two LPs that dropped in 2007 & 2014. Andrew also plays in a number of other ensembles in the area and is the founder of the Hix Brothers teaching studios and music stores.
Noah Dee, bassist / composer joined the trio in 2019. Noah is an accomplished pianist/composer as well as bassist, Noah played bass with Stew in an original material ensemble called "Goodwood". Noah produced and co-wrote the LP "Wicker" which dropped in 2015. (Available on Itunes & Spotify)
GMQ became a quartet when we had the good fortune to have Jeff Ford (Saxophones) add his voice to the ensemble in 2020. Jeff is an accomplished composer / teacher and performer. Jeff taught music and woodwinds at Wabaunsee College, Jeff also has his own woodwind repair business and plays with ensembles all over the Midwest. Jeff wrote and produced his LP - "Saxophoning" that dropped in 2021.
The unmistakable characteristic and founding principal of the ensemble is that we love the music that we play, love playing it together, and love presenting it to you.
In summary: Grey Matter Quartet is:
Andrew Hix - Drums and Cymbals
Stew Levin - Keyboards
Noah Dee - Bass
Jeff Ford - Saxophones