Algonquin Quartet

The Algonquin Quartet performs an eclectic mix of music, including Monk, Haydn, Jelly Roll Morton, Bartok, Coltrane, the poetry of Charles Bukowski, and original material.

Founded in Manhattan in 1997, the Algonquin Quartet’s original members, Joe Fiedler, Conrad Herwig, Joey Sellers and Dave Taylor performed in a wide variety of venues, from concert halls to small clubs.

Since relocating to Southern California, the Algonquin is now comprised of Alex Iles, Scott Whitfield, Joey Sellers and George Thatcher. Charlie Morillas is substituting for Mr. Iles in today’s performance.

Charlie Morillas
Morillas has performed in the big bands of Artie Shaw, Tom Kubis, Jack Sheldon, Bill Watrous, and Gordon Goodwin. A busy studio musician, he has recorded on the soundtrack to “The Incredibles” and records of Barry Manilow and Ray Charles.

Scott Whitfield
Whitfield is lead trombonist with Toshiko Akiyoshi’s Orchestra, works both in Los Angeles and Manhattan, and has been an Assistant Professor at Rutgers. He has performed and recorded with Nnenna Freelon, Frank Wess, and Walter Booker among others. His excellent book of transcriptions of J.J. Johnson solos is published by Hal Leonard, and a book of Steve Turre’s solos is forthcoming.

Joey Sellers
Recipient of the Gil Evans Fellowship in Jazz Composition, The Sammy Nestico Award, and the Julius Hemphill Award, Sellers writes in a wide array of styles and has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet the Composer, The American Music Center, and others. He has played and recorded with Kim Richmond Ensemble, Bill Holman Orchestra, Satoko Fujji Orchestra, Bob Mintzer Big Band, and the Kenny Wheeler Large Ensemble.

George Thatcher
Thatcher plays with several regional orchestras and is involved in the recording industry not only as a bass trombonist but also as a vocalist, composer and producer. His frequent work for MGM makes him one of the most heard bass trombonists in film and television. Contrary to reports, he does not engage various pachyderms in conversation - not often anyhow.