Charlie Haden

Considered one of the greatest-ever jazz bassists, Hadens’ career spans five decades. He was destined for a career in music, although his first foray was as a singer and yodeler in his native Iowa as part of his parents’ country music radio show. Polio at age 14 cut short his singing career, but fortunately he had already started playing the double bass. Since arriving in Los Angeles in the mid-50s where he first performed with Art Pepper, Hampton Hawes, Dexter Gordon, and Paul Bley, Haden has proven himself to be one of the most creative jazz musicians. His work with Ornette Coleman was visionary, as was his

Ernie Watts

Alan Broadbent

Rodney Green © Andrea Canter

During its two decades of performance and recording, Quartet West has twice been named Acoustic Jazz Group of the Year by Down Beat (1994 and 1995). Original members Haden, Broadbent and Watts have worked with several drummers, starting with Larance Marable and including Paul Motian, Billy Higgins, and Billy Hart before Rodney Green took over the trapset earlier this year. The quartet has released six recordings during its lifespan.

A twenty-year collaboration is almost mythical in jazz. Don’t miss the anniversary party.

Charlie Haden and Quartet West will be at the famed Regatta Bar in Cambridge, located on the third floor of The Charles Hotel at One Bennett Street www.regattabarjazz.com), August 11-12. The celebration moves to New York as Quartet West takes over the Blue Note August 15-20 ( www.bluenotejazz.com).