Why we call this project “Fourth Stream”

Project Fourth Stream is our natural evolution of composition into a more spontaneous, malleable event. Gunther Schuller broke ground by combining Jazz and Classical music calling it Third Stream. His approach was to combine elements of western classical music with jazz. The results were extended compositions using classical instruments or set for symphony orchestras. This work brought jazz into the concert hall and opened up many possibilities for music.

Our approach differs in that we value the spirit of improvisation and let our compositions morph as we’re performing them. Our ideal is to provide just enough structure and content to produce strong musical works but still remain flexibly enough to enable a spontaneous performance.

When you look at our backgrounds, you’ll see where these ideas came from. William Neil is a respected composer of our time. Tom Gullion is a gifted jazz improviser. When we happened to cross paths, we discovered that even though our backgrounds are quite different our musical language is remarkably similar. Neil approaches the music from the perspective of a composer, weaving creative tapestries and fascinating harmonic textures. Gullion comes from his jazz roots as a melodic improviser who can spin lines which sometimes lead, sometimes follow.

It is remarkable, even to us, how we can communicate “in the moment” during our performances and know where the other is heading. Fortunately, for us, our listeners enjoy the experience as much as we do!