Portico Quartet is an instrumental band from London, known for their distinctive sound that defies easy categorization, blending jazz, ambient electronic music, and modern classical influences into a unique musical collage. Originally formed in 2005, the group has undergone a few line-up changes but generally features a quartet arrangement. Their sound is often centered around the Hang, a type of steel drum that adds an ethereal, melodic quality to their compositions. This signature instrument has set the quartet apart and become a hallmark of their sonic identity.

Over the years, Portico Quartet has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary music, earning a Mercury Prize nomination for their 2007 debut album "Knee-Deep in the North Sea." Their discography has expanded to encompass a multitude of recordings, each reflecting a different facet of their evolving artistry. Among their more recent releases are "Art in the Age of Automation" (2017) and "Memory Streams" (2019), which continue to probe the intersections of electronic music and modern jazz. The atmospheric landscapes of "Terrain" (2021) and its accompanying live sessions reflect a band that is unafraid to explore and redefine their sound with each project. Their ability to capture the intricate dynamics of live performance on recordings like "Trajectory (Live at Metropolis Studio)" and "Live / Remix" also stands as a testament to their impressive musicianship and the cerebral engagement that their music demands from listeners.

Genres

British Jazz

Compositional Ambient

Contemporary Jazz

Electronica

Jazz Quartet

New Tribe

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Latest Release

Terrain (Extended) – Live in Studio One: An Abbey Road 90th Session

Portico Quartet

Single - Released October 21, 2022