Originally formed in 1996 in New York City, the Other Quartet specializes in a style of jazz that alternates between the notated and the improvised, and is never ever dull. Comprised of members Ohad Talmor (tenor and soprano saxophones), Russ Johnson (trumpet), Jim Hershman (guitar), and Michael Sarin (drums and percussion), the group plays original compositions as well as re-tooled songs by such renowned composers as Igor Stravinsky, Anton Bruckner, and Elliot Carter. Thus far, the Other Quartet has released a pair of recordings on the Knitting Factory label -- 1999's 13 Pieces and 2001's Sound Stains -- and have been associated one way or another with such modern-day trailblazers as John Zorn, Marc Ribot, and the Jazz Passengers, among others. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide