It was a similar set of musical ideals that led Matt Blostein and Vinnie Sperrazza to seek an outlet for merging their individual artistic visions. Having met in the summer of 2002 while attending the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop, Matt and Vinnie pursued a musical collaboration upon returning to New York City. Matt and Vinnie are seen regularly on the NYC jazz circuit, along with the other BSQ members, and have performed at venues including Birdland, Smoke, the 55 Bar, Smith’s, Cornelia Street Cafe, Marie’s Jazz Club and the Knitting Factory. In 2003 and 2004, they completed East coast tours with the band, making stops in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Toronto. Their jazz festival appearances include the Cape Cod, Utica and Clarion Jazz Festivals. Sharing their music with these major cities inspired them to reach out to a much wider audience than they had expected. While flavored by their experiences in rock, R&B, classical and folk music, BSQ’s music remains true to the spirit and sound of jazz. As Matt says, “I try to concentrate on melody, groove, and making each note count. Our music’s not about technique, it’s about communication.” Adds Vinnie, “The music Matt writes, and the way we play that music together is geared toward connecting with the audience on all levels.” Long story short, the music of BSQ is undoubtedly bona fide jazz, but with an uncommon accessibility to any listener. But don't be fooled -- their music is underscored by an intelligence and sophistication that reflects their deep love and knowledge of the jazz tradition. MATT BLOSTEIN has been performing music with family, friends and professional musicians since the age of four. He joined his father’s band at the ripe age of eight, playing keyboards and working several gigs a week for the next several years. The saxophone became his focus when he began lessons in elementary school. Jazz gigs around Pittsburgh continued to nurture his creative pursuits, and in 1998, Matt moved to New York after being awarded a scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music. In 2002 he was invited to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a competitor in the White Foundation Saxophone Competition. In 2004 Matt toured with the Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Noveau and in 2005 he toured with the Tim Collins Group featuring Ingrid Jensen. Matt has worked with internationally known artists including Dave Liebman, Danilo Perez, Bob Mintzer, Dick Oatts, Mark Turner, Kenny Werner, and New York musicians such as Jacob Sacks, Aaron Parks and Kim Thompson. VINNIE SPERRAZZA hails from upstate New York, where as a teenager he was privileged to play with some of the great musicians from that area, including pianist Rick Montalbano and the late baritone sax master Nick Brignola. While still a student at William Paterson University in New Jersey, he began working with the internationally acclaimed pianist James Williams, a relationship that lasted until Mr. William’s passing in July 2004. Through the auspices of Mr. Williams, he participated in numerous concerts and recordings including such noted musicians as Richard Davis, Javon Jackson, Steve Wilson and Bill Mobley. As a freelance jazz musician in New York City, he has shared the stage with Clark Terry, Tony Malaby, Rick Margitza, Jim McNeely and Rich Perry, among many others. Recently, Vinnie completed recording an album with pianist Noah Baerman, featuring tenor saxophonists Jimmy Greene and Wayne Escoffery, for release in spring of '05, and has performed with saxophonist Mike McGinnis' Between Green ensemble, featuring trumpeter Shane Endsley and pianist Jacob Sacks.