Big Four, led by charismatic saxophonist Julien Soro, started as a quartet in 2009. Its uncommon line-up, with two wind instruments and two percussionists (saxophone/tuba and vibraphone/drums, all members of the large ensemble Ping Machine) reveals a fresh and unusual sound rarely exploited in such a small band context. Big Four quartet delivers an organic yet radiant music, between tension and release.

Over the time, Julien Soro’s compositions turn to a collective exploration where spontaneity and rythmic profusion are the core of its motion. Big Four’s musicians are looking for that space between will and spontaneity that allows movement to music. A kind of childish state where the act of playing is meaningful…

Their 4th recording, « Seven Years » live at « Le Triton », celebrates seven years of productive collaborations and collective musical explorations mixed with true moments of life. On this occasion, the four fellows are rejoined by talented trumpet player Quentin Ghomari, leader of Papanosh quintet and also a member of Ping Machine. He injects a new voice in this collaborative repertory fed by each of the musicians.

This is fascinating, this is exciting, this is joyfull, this is sad, all at the same time and it sounds great according to the acoustical balance of those four personalities. (…) This band managed to increase its independance. Franck Bergerot, Jazz Magazine, France

Imagine three tamers playing with fire by teasing a horny beast : you can get an idea of what felt the club audience during the set. Joyful, collected and toughtful, Doctor Soro ? Wild, furious, insane, Mister Big Four ! Ludovic Florin, Jazz Magazine, France

Rough and heavy on tenor sax, incisive and insistent on alto sax, Julien Soro’s playing is about necessity to play that music instead of anyone else. D. Gastellu, CitizenJazz, France