Splanky (Sax Quartet)

Splanky is an all-woman saxophone quartet based in Gloucestershire.  We are seasoned musicians who play a diverse range of musical styles.  Karen and Lee both play Soprano and Alto saxophones, Carolyn and Diane play Tenor and Baritone. ​ We are a group of friends who have come together through our shared love of the saxophone, not just four musicians who happen to play together.  Our varied musical backgrounds encompass Jazz, Swing, Blues, Orchestral, Rock, Pop, Chamber Music, and Soul.  Over the years our paths have crossed in various big bands but in 2023, for the first time, all four of us happened to play in the same section and Splanky was born!   As players, we blend the easy, swinging music of our shared big band history with a wide mix of contemporary and orchestral sensibilities and styles.   Enthusiasm  led to our first recording session before the band was even a year old, with more artistic projects being quietly planned behind the scenes. ​ We all relish being part of a quartet as no part has greater significance, no instrument more prestige.  We have to be our own conductor and rhythm section, whilst conveying the melody and emotion of the piece. ​ The privilege of performing for an audience is something we all revel in.  We create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion due to an extensive catalogue of music and of course, experience.  When discussions arise regarding our repertoire we refer back to Rossini, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington who have all been similarly quoted: “There are only two kinds of music; Good, and the other one…”