New York Art Quartet

Comprising trombonist Roswell Rudd, altoist John Tchicai, and drummer Milford Graves—who was later replaced by Louis Moholo—the short-lived New York Art Quartet also featured various bassists such as Lewis Worrell, Reggie Workman, and Finn Von Eyben. Characterized by its free and emotive qualities, the ensemble stood out particularly for its trombone-alto frontline pairing. Following John Tchicai’s exit from The New York Contemporary Five, the group came together, continuing its run only until Roswell Rudd became part of Archie Shepp's Quartet. Between 1964 and 1965, the New York Art Quartet produced three recordings, releasing one on each of the ESP, Fontana, and America labels.