PUBLIQuartet: Rhythm Nation

The Strad Issue: September 2026

Description: Sheer eclecticism proves too much of a good thing

Musicians: PUBLIQuartet

Works: Music by Diabaté, Ellington, Jackson, Jlin, Lewis, Roumain, Scott, Swift, Threadgill and Venegas

Catalogue number: AVIE AV2868

RHYTHM NATION

Judging by the CD back cover’s mention of ‘American rhythmic traditions as an expression of bodily autonomy and tacit history keeping’ and the release’s role in reflecting ‘the plurality of American movement(s) and protecting the unspoken spirit of their lineage’s narratives’, Rhythm Nation feels less like a conventional release, more like a manifesto. And indeed, there’s much to admire in its eclectic, inclusive collection of composers and styles, and – most evidently – in PUBLIQuartet’s brilliantly nimble performances, shot through with jazz swing and rock grittiness.

The bigger question, however, is whether it all holds together, let alone presents a persuasive theme or argument. When the music ranges from the delicacy and touching lyricism of Malian composer Fodé Lassana Diabaté’s substantial Sunjata’s Time – given a particularly tender, thoughtful performance – to the severe Schoenbergian focus of Henry Threadgill’s Sixfivetwo and even a trio of brief Janet Jackson reworkings – well, let’s say the jury’s out on that particular question. There’s no doubting the foursome’s focus and adaptability: the players are wonderfully warm in the slow blues march of Jeff Scott’s Blues for Buddy and they convey the catchy Venezuelan rhythms of Eddie Venegas’s Cachumbambeando en clave with crispness, clarity and an infectious sense of fun.

But – despite the compelling performances – with such a plethora of styles represented by generally short pieces, Rhythm Nation ends up feeling more perplexing than revelatory.

David Kettle